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.Anne`s  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.Anne`s. 

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 

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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. 

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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. 

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## **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 

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## **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 

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## **ST  RAGENER  OF  NORTHAMPTON** 

## **A.  Receipts  and  Payments  Account** 

## **For  the  Year  Ended  30th  June  2023** 

||||**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>**to  the**<br>**nearest  £**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**6,000**<br>**6,000**|**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>**to  the**<br>**nearest  £**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**6,000**<br>**6,000**|**2022-23**<br>**Total**<br>**funds**<br>**to  the**<br>**nearest  £**<br>**23,066**<br>**5,563**<br>**-**<br>**2,900**<br>**6,000**<br>**37,529**|**2022-23**<br>**Total**<br>**funds**<br>**to  the**<br>**nearest  £**<br>**23,066**<br>**5,563**<br>**-**<br>**2,900**<br>**6,000**<br>**37,529**|**2021-22**<br>**Total**<br>**funds**<br>**to  the**<br>**nearest  £**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||||**20,870**|
||||||||**-**|
||||||||**2,000**|
||||||||**2,346**|
||||||||**10,000**|
||||||||**35,216**|
|||||||||
|Loan  for  hardship  fund|**210**||**-**||**210**||**210**|
|**_Sub  total_**|<br>**210**||**-**||**210**||**210**|
|**_Total  receipts_**<br>**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_**|<br>**31,055**||||||**17,936**|
|||||||||
||**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**|
|**_Sub  total_**|<br>**-**||**-**||**-**||**-**|
|**_Total  payments_**<br>**_Net  of  receipts/(payments)_**<br>**A5  Transfers  between  funds**<br>**A6  Cash  funds  last  year  end**<br>**_Cash  funds  this  year  end_**||||||||
||||||||**17,936**|
|||||||||
||<br>**684**||||||**17,490**|
||**-**||||||**-**|
||**36,720**||||||**19,230**|
||<br>**37,404**||||||**36,720**|



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## **ST  RAGENER  OF  NORTHAMPTON** 

## **B.  Statement  of  Assets  and  Liabilities** 

## **As  at  30th  June  2023** 


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


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