OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2023-06-30-accounts

Charity Commission Registration Number 1175477

ST RAGENER OF NORTHAMPTON ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN PROPERTY TRUST

UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

ST RAGENER OF NORTHAMPTON

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Rev Timothy Curtis Anna Holden Daniel Broad Anna Broad Fr James Burns Secretary Elena Symeou Charity number 1175477 Registered office St Anne’s Orthodox Christian Church 7 Cattlemarket Road Northampton NN1 1HL Independent examiner Dryden Consultancy Ltd 4 High Main Drive BestwoodVillage Nottingham NG6 8YX

ST RAGENER OF NORTHAMPTON

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees’ report 1-4
Independent examiner’s report 5
Receipts and payments accounts 6
Statement of assets and liabilities 7

ST RAGENER OF NORTHAMPTON

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2023

The trustees present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 June 2023.

The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of this report are set out at the end of this report. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016).

Objectives and activities:

Saint Ragener of Northampton Orthodox Christian Trust looks after the financial and property concerns for St.Annes Orthodox Christian parish, Northampton, UK. The charity was established independent of the parish’s governing body to ensure continuous care and management irrespective of the jurisdictional alignment of the parish of St.Annes.

The objectives are to advance the Orthodox Christian Faith in accordance with the principles of church government accepted by the Deanery of Great Britain and Ireland. The Orthodox Christian Faith is defined as the faith of the One Holy Orthodox Catholic and Apostolic Church, rooted in the Holy Tradition, and taught by the Holy Scriptures, the Seven Ecumenical Councils and the Local and Provincial Councils, and by the Holy Fathers, and as preserved and taught by the Churches of the four ancient patriarchates of Constantinople, Jerusalem, Antioch and Alexandria, and by the Churches now in communion with any or all of them.

The “principles of church government” are set out in the Statutes of the Archdiocese of Orthodox Parishes of Russian Tradition in Western Europe, Patriarchate of Moscow. These principles enshrine the decisions of the Council of Moscow of 1917-18.

In November 2019 the Archdiocese of Orthodox Parishes of Russian Tradition in Western Europe was received into the patriarchate of Moscow. In 2022 a Deanery of Great Britain and Ireland was established within the Archdiocese. St Anne`s, Northampton is governed by the Deanery.

In the event that there are no Trustees remaining, the property of the Charity shall be vested in Archdiocese of Orthodox Parishes of Russian Tradition in Western Europe (represented in French law by Association founded 26 February 1924, Journal Officiel, 28.2.1924, No.58, p. 2080. Statutes modified by the Extraordinary General Assembly, 7 February 1998, then by the Extraordinary General Assembly, 1 May 1999 and EGA 25 January 2020) or a nominee, as a

sole corporate Trustee of the Charity until such time as the Archdiocese shall appoint new Trustees, and the terms of this deed shall be varied accordingly to allow a sole corporate Trustee to operate.

The Saint Ragener Trust is committed to developing a locally-based Orthodox Church which is open to all who wish to come and learn more about the Orthodox Christian Faith, without regard to nationality, language, racial or cultural background. We are strongly committed to the view, expressed by the late Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh, of blessed memory (1914-2003), that the Orthodox Faith must be rooted in the culture of the place where its people live. Accordingly, the parish uses English as the principal language of liturgical prayer. However, inclusivity is essential and as such we attempt to make everyone feel welcome by committing to at least praying the Lord`s prayer in the first language of everyone present during Sunday worship.

Members of St Anne`s parish work, wherever possible, with other Christian groups and seek to develop good relationships with representatives of other faiths and, indeed, with those who do not profess any religious faith, in a spirit of tolerance and peace whilst holding firm to the fullness of the Orthodox Faith they have received as their inheritance.

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake and in particular the specific guidance for charities for the advancement of religion.

Achievements and performance of St.Ragener Trust and St.Anne`s parish:

The parish continues to grow and provide a valuable gathering place for Orthodox Christians and anybody interested in the Holy Orthodox Faith. We hold regular worship services including Sunday liturgies, Jesus prayer group on Mondays and vespers every Wednesday.

Late in 2022 Father Timothy Curtis went on sabbatical due to ill health. Fr James and Fr Theophan will continue the existing cycle of liturgical services while Fr Timothy is on leave and will provide the pastoral care for the parish.

In 2021 -2022 we saw the establishment of the Sisterhood of St.Anne with the blessing of Metropolitan Jean of Dubna. The sisterhood is dedicated to works of charity and prayer. They organise pilgrimages and a women's prayer and bible study group and have secured funding for parish nursing, counsellor and domestic abuse ministry.

Through the hard work of the sisterhood, in particular Elena Symeou, St.Anne`s Resource Centre was established. The centre serves many functions but in particular, is a meeting place for vulnerable women of Eastern European background to come together, establish contacts and learn.

The services offered by the centre include:

Provision of a safe meeting space for women escaping from domestic abuse.

Helping women to overcome challenges and providing emotional help and reassurance. Helping women to better integrate into western society and offering practical help with cultural alignment in mainstream living in the UK.

Providing an advice service for what resources and benefits are available.

Bring a contact point between women and local authorities and providing a translation service. Providing English language lessons.

A counselling service.

We subscribe to Parish Nursing Ministries UK and have one registered nurse within the parish who provides volunteer health advice, support and health education and undertakes visits to parishioners in need.

Due to the Covid restrictions of 2020-2022, many works of essential maintenance in the community building went on hold. Father Timothy and St.Anne`s churchwarden, Trevor Willoughby have now overseen a considerable number of these projects, including replacement of the boiler and updating of the fire alarm system.

Financial review

The finances of the Trust have operated so far on the principle of income and expenditure broadly matching.

Many parishioners make monthly contributions and we have a plate collection on Sundays.

Elena Symeou has secured a number of grants to establish and support the work of the sisterhood and parish nursing.

Our parish has to pay a percentage of its income to the Archdiocese.

Reserves Policy

The trustees require that there is a minimum reserve of £ 6,000 in the bank account to cover six months of routine expenses including rent, utility bills, insurance and general maintenance.

Risk Management

The Saint Ragener Trust is dependent solely on the generosity of its supporters and could not continue its work if the regular income, and the contributions from the parishioners of St.Anne`s ever failed.

Plans for the Future

St Anne`s as a parish continues to grow and the work of the sisterhood is ongoing.

Trustees

In the period under review the following persons were acting trustees:

Father Timothy Curtis ( chairperson and treasurer )

Dr Anna Holden ( now acting chairperson and treasurer)

Mrs Anna Broad, trustee

Mr Daniel Broad, trustee Mrs Elena Symeou, Secretary

Father James Burns (ex officio)

The administration of the trust was carried out during the period under review by Fr. Timothy Curtis and latterly by Anna Holden and Secretary. The administrative office was situated at Saint Anne`s Orthodox Christian Church, 7 Cattlemarket Road, Northampton, NN1 1HL.

Signed by authority of the trustees

A M Holde�

Jame� Burn�

Dr Anna M. Holden, trustee and acting chairperson

Fr James Burns

Dated: 4/2/2024

Dated: 4/2/2024

ST RAGENER OF NORTHAMPTON

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF ST RAGENER OF NORTHAMPTON

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of St. Ragener of Northampton Orthodox Christian Property Trust (the charity) for the year ended 30 June 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the Act).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Act. In carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

● accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or ● the accounts do not accord with the accounting records

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Barr� Dryde� Barry Dryden (IPFA)

For and on behalf of Dryden Consultancy Ltd

4 High Main Drive Bestwood Village Nottingham NG6 8YX

Date: 11t� Februar� 2024

ST RAGENER OF NORTHAMPTON

A. Receipts and Payments Account

For the Year Ended 30th June 2023

Restricted
funds
to the
nearest £
-
-
-
-
6,000
6,000		 Restricted
funds
to the
nearest £
-
-
-
-
6,000
6,000		 2022-23
Total
funds
to the
nearest £
23,066
5,563
-
2,900
6,000
37,529		 2022-23
Total
funds
to the
nearest £
23,066
5,563
-
2,900
6,000
37,529		 2021-22
Total
funds
to the
nearest £
20,870
-
2,000
2,346
10,000
35,216
Loan for hardship fund 210 - 210 210
Sub total
210		 - 210 210
Total receipts
A3 Payments
35,426
Rent 5,799 5,800
Utilities 5,647 3,478
Insurance 415 421
Supplies 3,758 2,766
Sundries 4,726 1,245
Hardship Payments 1,170 970
Repairs and Maintenance 3,773 444
Quete to Archdiocese 1,162 1,068
Parish Nursing 2,384 -
Teaching 2,221 -
Grant Expenditure (Resource Centre/A.A.) - 1,744
Sub total
31,055		 17,936
- - - -
Sub total
-		 - - -
Total payments
Net of receipts/(payments)
A5 Transfers between funds
A6 Cash funds last year end
Cash funds this year end
17,936

684		 17,490
- -
36,720 19,230

37,404		 36,720

ST RAGENER OF NORTHAMPTON

B. Statement of Assets and Liabilities

As at 30th June 2023

----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted Restricted 2021-22
Categories Details funds funds Total
to nearest £ to nearest £
B1 Cash funds Bank 34,146 5,991 36,452
Cash
2 - 268
Total cash funds 34,148 5,991 36,720
B2 Other monetary Stock held for sale - 1,740 1,740
Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme 2,000 - -
assets
Gift Aid 2,280 - -
Fund to which Current 2021-22
Details asset belongs value Total
B3 Investment - -
assets
Fund to which Current 2021-22
Details asset belongs value Total
B4 Assets retained General Furniture and Equipment Unrestricted 11,831 11,831
for the charity’s own Altar cloths and Iconostasis Unrestricted 5,000 5,000
use
Vestments Unrestricted 5,300 4,800
Liturgical Items Unrestricted 4,600 4,600
Office Equipment Unrestricted 3,355 3,355
Kitcben Equipment Unrestricted 3,225 3,225
Baptistry Unrestricted 2,500 2,500
Icons Unrestricted 2,000 1,700
Choir Books and Music Unrestricted 300 300
Icons x 2 Unrestricted Not Valued Not Valued
Frescos x 10 Unrestricted Not Valued Not Valued
Fund to which Amount due
Details liability relates
B5 Liabilities Hardship Fund Loan Unrestricted - 210
Signed by two trustees :
Signature Print Name
----- End of picture text -----