St. Mary’s Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church,
( Under the Holy Apostolic See of Antioch & All the East ) Northampton
Trustee’s Report and Accounts for the year
1st April 2022- 31st March 2023
St. Mary’s Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church, Northampton
(Under the Holy Apostolic See of Antioch & All the East)
Administrative Information
______________
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Rev. Fr. Jebin Ipe Mr. Anuroop Jacob Mr. Bijoy Thomas Mr. Eldhose Varghese Mr. Saibu Thomas Mr. Velson Thomas Mr. Johnson Pockayil Mr. Binu Jacob Mr. Thomas Daniel Mr. Manish Mathew Mrs. Shaiba Abraham
VICAR & PRESIDENT
Rev. Fr. Jebin Ipe
SECRETARY Mr. Bijoy Thomas
TREASURER
Mr. Eldhose Varghese
AUDITORS
Mr. Jomon Issac and Thomas Varkey
COMMUNICATION ADDRESS
32, Oulton rise Northampton NN36 EW United Kingdom Email - stmarys.jsoc.northampton2015@gmail.com
WEB SITE
www.jacobitechurchnorthampton.com
CHARITY NUMBER
1162484
OUR BANK
HSBC 22 Abington Street NORTHAMPTON NN1 2AN
WORSHIP PLACE
Victoria Road Congregational Church, Victoria Road, Northampton NN1 5ED
St. Mary’s Jacobite Church, Northampton Annual report 2022-23
The Trustees present their report and accounts for the period of 1[st] April 2022 to 31[st] March 2023.
Let us thank God Almighty for guiding us through the last year and glorify his name. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I the Secretary, present the Annual Report of our parish for the year 2022-23.
Introduction
Structure, objectives
This Church is a part of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church and a Diaspora community of the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Christian Church, India. The supreme head of this Church is His Holiness Moran Mar Ignatius Aphrem II, The Patriarch of Antioch and all the East and his Successors. His Beatitude Aboon Mor Baselios, Catholicos of the East is the second highest hierarchical position of the Church. He is the Head of the Church in India. The Patriarch appointed a Metropolitan (called Patriarchal Vicar) from Malankara Jacobite Syrian Christian Church, His Grace Dr. Mathews Mor Anthimos who is the Bishop in charge of the Parish.
Church’s objective is to maintain the faith, traditions and doctrines of the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church and to perform all the religious rites and sacraments to all its members in accordance with the ancient Syriac Orthodox traditions. And to help the poor and the needy.
Governance and Management
This Church is a registered charity and therefore governed as per its governing laws. The Charity is run by the Board of Trustees who is elected by the Church General Meeting. The Trustees manage the administrative as well as the financial affairs of the Church. The Trustees meet regularly for taking decisions and monitoring the activities.
The Parish and membership
During the report year, with the help of members, Board of Trustees and the Vicar, we have maintained our Parish register up to date. As per the current parish register, our total membership is 40 families.
The Vicar
Rev Fr. Jebin Ipe is our Vicar. Vicar’s spiritual leadership has had great influence on our families. Vicar’s capable leadership has helped tremendously in the running of spiritual organizations like Sunday school, women's association, and student’s movement in the Church.
General Body Meetings
The annual general body meeting (AGM) was held on 24th June 2023 to present and approve the annual report and accounts for the year 2022 - 2023. The general body approved the accounts with the audit report.
St. Mary’s Jacobite Church, Northampton Annual report 2022-23
Report year Board of Trustees (Managing Committee)
- Rev. Fr. Jebin Ipe Vicar & President Appointed 2. Mr. Bijoy Thomas Secretary Elected 3. Mr. Eldhose Varghese Treasurer Elected 4. Mr. Johnson Pockayil Council member Elected 5. Mr. Binu Jacob Committee member Elected 6. Mr. Anuroop Jacob Committee member Elected 6. Mr. Saibu Thomas Committee member Elected 7. Mr. Manish Mathew Committee member Elected 8. Mr. Thomas Daniel Committee member Elected 9. Mr. Velson Thomas Committee member Elected 10. Mrs. Shaiba Abraham Committee member Elected
Mr. Jomon Issac and MR Thomas Varkey are the auditors for the report year.
Activities
Our Holy Services are on second and fourth Saturday morning of every month. After the period of COVID 19 restrictions we are now able to conduct the Holy Mass service face to face, we would like to thank all the Priests who conducted Holy Mass over the past years in our Church, all altar boys who helped in Church services and the choir members.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to the Trustees of Victoria Road Congregational Methodist Church, Northampton for providing Church premises for all our services.
Parish Day & Annual Feast (St. Mary’s Day)
Annual day of the Church celebrations were held on 23[rd] and 24[th] Sept 2022. Services were led by our Bishop His Grace Dr. Mathews Mor Anthimos.
On Friday 23[rd] Sept 2022 Parish day proceedings started with flag hosting, evening prayer followed by Gospel preaching and Benediction.
On Saturday 24[th] Sept 2022 on the main feast day, proceedings started with morning prayer followed by special Holy Mass. Chief celebrant was Patriarchal Vicar His Grace Dr. Matthews Mor Anthimos and co celebrant was Vicar Rev. Fr. Jebin Ipe. Holy Mass was followed by a sermon by the Patriarchal Vicar which was a blessing to everyone who attended. There was Procession afterwards in the traditional way and cultural activities followed. Prizes were distributed for Sunday school children who won in the cultural competition which was held in the summer. Nercha and a traditional Kerala meal was given to all who attended the feast.
Great Lent and Passion Week
Our parish observed Great Lent was held face to face from 9[th] April till 16[th] April 2022. Services were led by our Vicar Rev Fr. Jebin Ipe.
St. Mary’s Jacobite Church, Northampton Annual report 2022-23
Baptism
This year our parish was blessed to conduct baptism service for a young boy in the parish. The service was led by Vicar Rev Fr, Jebin Ipe which was a blessed occasion for all members who witnessed.
Church Kalolsavam
We conducted our church Kalolsavam on 28[th] Jan 2023. The event included various competitions for children which was eagerly participated by our Sunday school students. We would like to thank Sunday school teachers and parents for preparing kids for the event. First and second prize winners got qualified to represent our Church in the Midland Zonal Kalolsavam.
Harvest and Food Festival
Harvest and food festival was celebrated in our parish on 8[th] Oct 2022 at Victoria Road Congregational Church. The day started with morning prayer followed by Holy Mass and then we auctioned the products brought by our church members and then everyone had the opportunity to taste the home delicacies cooked by Women’s association members which was the main highlight of the event. Thanks to our women’s association members for yet another successful celebration of harvest festival.
Carol Virunnu
Our church choir team participated in Carol Virunnu conducted by MSOC in December 2022. Our talented singers won 4[th] prize, which is a very commendable achievement.
Christmas Carol & Special service
To commemorate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ we were able to conduct home carols for our church members. It was held on 9[th] Dec ,10[th] Dec and 11[th] Dec 2022. Thanks to all members who participated carols.
House Blessing
House Blessing During the report year, several of our members have acquired new homes and the Vicar had conducted house blessing services at the new homes.
Spiritual Organisations
Sunday School
“ Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” - Matthew 7:24. Our Sunday school classes are conducted online. To educate our children spiritually and morally, in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ and the faith and traditions of the Syrian Orthodox Church and to develop our children the habit of attending church regularly, studying the Scriptures, and participating conscientiously in the worship and sacramental life of our Church.
Sunday school annual exam was held face to face, which helped children to showcase the knowledge gained over the year. Our children are very talented, in addition to the Bible studies
St. Mary’s Jacobite Church, Northampton Annual report 2022-23
we gave importance to teach extracurricular activities for the youth development. The hard work of the head teacher and all other teachers are greatly appreciated.
Vacation Bible School (VBS)
Vacation Bible School (VBS) was held on 28[th] and 29[th] Oct 2022. On Friday 28[th] Oct 2022 VBS started with registration at 9.00 AM followed by different activities and classes. On Saturday 29[th] VBS closing ceremony and rally was conducted after the holy Mass. Thanks to all Sunday School teachers and parents who prepared the children for the occasion.
Women’s Association (Marth Mariam Vanitha Samajam):
With the Motto of “Pray, Act and Illuminate”, the Women’s prayer group of the Church meet once in a month online. Their activities are prayer, singing devotional songs, Bible reading, conducting bible quiz, Chain prayer, Bible classes and presentation etc. Parish members often send prayer requests to women’s association.
Women’s association is functioning under the able leadership of Rev Vicar, Secretary Mrs. Shaiba Abraham and Treasurer Mrs. Bindu Johnson.
Other activities
Charity
We donated £1500 to one of our community members passed away. We also had one of our church members in JSOC Stoke on Trent passed away and we donated £420. We donated £250 for one our church member relative who met with an accident.
Website
The Parish web site is www.jacobitechurchnorthampton.com and Facebook account which is regularly updated with useful information for our church members.
Financial activities
This year total income from various incoming resources was £36,862.27 and total expenses was £34,631.22, By adding up the retained surpluses from the previous years of £71,296.83 current total retained surplus for the period is £73,527.88.
Future Developments
With the enormous support from our members, we would like to extend our activities which include that to find a permanent place for Worship.
St. Mary’s Jacobite Church, Northampton Annual report 2022-23
Conclusion
By the grace of our heavenly Holy Father, our saviour Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, we have completed yet another blessed year. Words are not enough express our gratitude and submission to our Lord. During the year through the regular holy worship services, prayer meetings, special events and activities we have experienced God’s abiding presence and Grace.
On behalf of the Managing committee and for the parishioners, wholeheartedly express and reaffirm our sincere allegiance and loyalty to the Holy Throne of Antioch & All the East, our Patriarch His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, to our Catholicos of the East His Beatitude Baselios Thomas I, to our Patriarchal Vicar His Grace Dr. Matthews Mor Anthimos and their prayers be with us.
We are indebted to all our parish members for their generosity and active participation in all the programs. The executive committee extends our heartfelt appreciation to the Vicar and all spiritual organisation office bearers for their prayerful support towards spiritual growth. We are also grateful to the families who volunteer regularly to provide refreshments on Saturdays after the holy service and on special occasions. Also, all our members and friends who supported the work of the Parish with their prayers and generous financial support.
The intercession of Holy Mother Mary, our Patron Saint and all other saints are always the constant inspiration and enlightening guidance for our parish. Let us continue the communion with them. May our Lord lead us in light to accomplish the best for the Church in the days to come. May the Lord Almighty bless our Parish to make all our efforts for the Glory of His Kingdom.
Thank you
On behalf of the Board of Trustees,
-Sd-
Bijoy Thomas
Northampton Hon. Secretary
Approval
This report was approved by the annual General Meeting on 24[th] June 2023. This is a true copy of St. Mary’s Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church, Northampton Annual Report.
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGIAND AND WAiES Receipts and payments accounts CC16a Fortho rIOd To Section A Receipts and payments lunds funds funds Total fund• At Roco a.941 .941 bythur( )J•i 41 41 Ap) A3Pa 13 7,93• 793b JA30 IIT• Rrt. 110 35$ Tra 142 uz 58C bank&l• 71 71 Y.631 Y.GJl • t•lJl• Sub total 4631 Not of rncwP(P•ym•ntsj A5 Trnn¥f¢vs b¢lwttn ful> A6 Cash lund$ kst ygar end rAsh fvnds thls ye4r end 73 CCLI Rl acwJtslSSI 2a112f2ozd
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period Erulowment fund C¥t•yorlws . Ootal funds funds 81 Cash lundB Tol•l c•sh fvnds 71527 fund5 fund8 Datai18 CvInt¥¥1 D•tal 83 Inv••kn•nt •M•t Cun•nlwbJ• Dotall• 84 r•t•lngd for th• chrftyb own u•0 Detal BS uabl11•S zaaa Dale of behdfof dl PTknI N 2711212tr23 va6$e r111212023 CCK¥ R28C0)<sSI 2W1212023
SL Marf5 Jacoblte Syrlan Orthodox Churth Northampton Independent Examiner's Report on the Accounts Rewf to the lkn/memkn ofA MY'S Jothbltr Sfvn Orthth N(thanwn (Chority No.. J162484) on the arcou for thtyew ended 31" March 2021 Ra Iwiides The charity'5 trU5tee5 re5wR1ble for the preparnti( of the in accon1 whh (he Chariues Aa 2011 (the Aa). The charlty's Iiijstees consider thai an a]1[ reqUId for this year under secuon 144 of the Aa aThJ an indenl examinaiion is nee&d. It Is our responsibility to: examine the accourrts under secdon 145 of the Charltles Aa. follow the applicable D5rectlons glven by ihÈ Charity Commlsslon (urmler seaion 145(5) (b) of the Acr. Basls of I Our examlnatlon was carrled oui in accordance with the general Direaion 8lven by the Chariiy Cornmlssion. An exarninauon includes a revlew of tl* accouniin8 record4 keN by charliy and a comparix>n of the accourrts ptesemed with Tecords. li also inclith5 consl(kntlon of any unusual items or15ClOsurE5 in the Kcounts. aTht seekin8 explanations frc4n the trustees concerning any such Inaiiers. The procedures un(knken ¢kn provide all Ihe evideKe thai would be required In an audlt. and consequenily no oplnlon is 'Ve as ts) whthr ihe acc1$ present a 't and fair, view and rt is limlted to those maners sd In the Maiemeni Wow. In connettlon wlih our examinatlon, no materlaj mauw5 have come io (W attemi(m wch glves US cause io belleye thai any maierlal res. the Kcountlng wffe kepi In &cordance wlth sth 130 of the Charities . or the accounts did n(M comply with the appllcable requiremems concemlng the forni and conteni of acrounts Set oui in the Chariiies (Accounts and ReFQIts) Regulaon$ 2(M)8 other than any requlremeni that the accounts 8ive a 'In arnl fair. vlew which 15 a mauer ofan nl examinaiion. whlch atteniion should be drm In thts ¥VMXt in order w enalAe a tAq)er Unden8 of the accounts to be reache Mr. Thomas Varkry (Hon. In&ndeD( Exa[ni) (HIXL lrnkpethi Exarniner) Dated: 2W12I2023