OpenCharities

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

2025-12-31-accounts

ST MARY & ST THEODORE COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH HASTINGS

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31[st] DECEMBER 2025

ST MARY & ST THEODORE COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH

HASTINGS

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31[st] DECEMBER 2025

CONTENTS

PAGE
CONTENTS 1
CHARITY INFORMATION 2
TRUSTEES REPORT 3-4
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEE’S RESPONSIBILITES 5
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT 6
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES 7
BALANCE SHEET 8
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 9-16

S T M A R Y & S T T H E O D O R E

P a g e 1

ST MARY & ST THEODORE COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH HASTINGS

Charity Information

For the Year Ended 31[st] Dec 2025

TRUSTEES {1} His Grace Bishop Antony

TREASURERS Dr M M Hanna

CHARITY NUMBER 1185911 Date of Registration 21 October 2019

BANKERS Lloyd’s Bank 120 Lewisham High Street London

S T M A R Y & S T T H E O D O R E

P a g e 2

ST MARY & ST THEODORE COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH HASTINGS

TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] DECEMBER 2025

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)" (effective 1 January 2019).

Objectives and activities

The main object of the charity is to provide pastoral and spiritual support to the Coptic Christians who live in the area of East Sussex and promote the values and teachings of the Coptic Orthodox Church.

It has the following specific investment powers:

Public benefit

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

Achievements and performance

Significant activities and achievements against objectives

The church of St John the Evangelist, Hollington, kindly allowed our church to provide Mass services at Upper Church Road, St Leonards-on-Sea, TN37 7AT until the end of July 2025. From 1 August 2025, we moved to St Barnabas Church in Bexhill-on-Sea, TN40 1JG, where the Church can now hold the Liturgy every Sunday. The structure of the Church comprises one Priest, Deacons, and Sunday School teachers.

During the year, the Church was blessed with the intention of the ordination of a permanent priest, strengthening the pastoral, spiritual, and liturgical services offered to the congregation. Although the ordination itself took place in February 2026, the preparation and intention during 2025 supported the continued growth of ministry and pastoral care for families, youth, and individuals across the community.. The appointment of the new priest has enabled the Church to expand its ministry, increase the frequency of services, and provide more consistent pastoral care to families, youth, and individuals across the community.

The Church holds regular conferences for different age groups of the congregation, liaises with local churches in the community, and maintains strong links with Coptic Orthodox Churches across the UK and with the Mother Church.

Financial review

Total income for the year was £103,212 , compared with £114,156 in 2024. The decrease is mainly due to exceptionally high donations received in 2024 during the attempted church purchase. Regular giving remains stable, and the church generated £8,594 of investment income following the placement of surplus funds into short-term deposits.

Total expenditure for the year was £25,186 , resulting in a net surplus of £78,027 . This surplus has been added to reserves to support the long-term objective of purchasing a permanent church building. Two short-term investments were made:

These funds remain designated for the future purchase of a church property.

S T M A R Y & S T T H E O D O R E

P a g e 3

ST MARY & ST THEODORE COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH HASTINGS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] DECEMBER 2025

Gift Aid claims

The charity received £17,619 in Gift Aid for donations made between 01/01/2025 and 31/12/2025. (All references to GASDS and prior-year adjustments removed, as requested.)

Investment policy

Investment selection policy

Short term - short term fixed deposit and money market account.

Major risks

Review of major risk

Health and safety, annual fire inspection to comply with fire regulations.

The trustees are currently in discussions with St Barnabas Church to confirm the arrangements for building and public liability insurance. The Church intends to ensure that appropriate insurance cover is in place and is awaiting confirmation following planned discussions with them.

Plans for future periods

The church is actively seeking to buy its own premises and searching for a new place after failure of purchasing of the Methodist Church in Bexhill due to the non-compliant of the vendor with all of our pre-purchase conditions.

Structure, governance and management

The charity is governed by a constitution and is a registered charity (number 1185911) at the Charity Commission.

The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Dr M M Hanna

Trustee

Magdy M. Hanna

Madgy M. Hanna Madgy M. Hanna (Jun 20, 2026 12:50:55 GMT+1)

Date :20/06/2026

S T M A R Y & S T T H E O D O R E

P a g e 4

ST MARY & ST THEODORE COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH HASTINGS

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2025

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of the charity for that year.

In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping sufficient accounting records that are disclosed with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

P a g e 5

S T M A R Y & S T T H E O D O R E

ST MARY & ST THEODORE COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH HASTINGS

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of St. Mary & St. Theodore Coptic Orthodox Church

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of St Mary & St Theodore Coptic Orthodox Church, Hastings (the charity) for the year ended 31[st] December 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the 2011 Act”).

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and 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:

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.

Accountant

Mahir Tawfig FMAAT

Dated: 20/06/2026

S T M A R Y & S T T H E O D O R E

P a g e 6

ST MARY & ST THEODORE COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH HASTINGS

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31
DECEMBER 2025
Note.
Income from Donations and
legacies
3
Membership contribution
Collection & Church Boxes
Church Activities
Gift Aid Recovered
Investment Income (Interest
Received)
Total income
Expenditure on charitable
activities
Management and administration of
the charity
4
Total expenditure
Net income/(expenditure) and movement
in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 January 2025
Fund balances at 31 December
2025		 Unrestricted Restricted
Funds
Funds
2025
2025
£
£
71,849
0
5,151
0
0
0
17,619
0
8,594
0
103,212
0
25,163
23
25,163
23
78,050
23		 Total
Unrestricted Restricted
Funds
Funds
Funds

2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
71,849
83,944
0
5,151
6,470
0
0
2,010
0
17,619
21,762
0
8,594
0
0
103,212
114,186
0

25,186
26,636
5,007
25,186
26,636
5,007
78,027
87,550
5,007		 Total
Funds
2024
£
83,944
6,470
2,010
21,762
0
114,186
31,643
31,643
82,543
369,551
318461
447,601
318,438		 688,012
766,039
 282001
323468
369,551
318,461		 605469
688,012

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

S T M A R Y & S T T H E O D O R E

P a g e 7

ST MARY & ST THEODORE COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH HASTINGS

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST December 2025

Note
2025
Fixed Assets
£
Tangible Assets
9
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtor
10
29953
short-term investments.
715000
Cash at Banks and in Hand
28075
773028
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
11
0
Unpresented Cheques / Bank Reconciling Account
7,256
Net current assets
The funds of the charity
Restricted income funds
12
Unrestricted funds		 2025
£
267
765,772
766,039
318,438
447,601
766,039		 2024
£
21359
667,247
688606
918		 2024
£
324
687,688
688,012
318,461
369551
688,012

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 20/06/2026

Madgy M. Hanna

Madgy M. Hanna (Jun 20, 2026 12:50:55 GMT+1)

Dr M M Hanna Trustee

S T M A R Y & S T T H E O D O R E

P a g e 8

ST MARY & ST THEODORE COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH HASTINGS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMEBER 2025

1. Accounting policies

Charity information

St Mary & St Theodore Coptic Orthodox Church, Hastings is an unincorporated charity registered with the Charity Commission in England & Wales. The charity's registered number and principal address can be found on the Charity Information page.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "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)" (effective 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations, but which has since been withdrawn.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus, the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable Objectives.

Restricted funds relate to donations received for specific church activities and building works.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

S T M A R Y & S T T H E O D O R E

P a g e 9

ST MARY & ST THEODORE COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH HASTINGS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMEBER 2025 (CONTINUED)

1. Accounting policies

(Continued)

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Fixtures and fittings 15% reducing balance

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.8 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.9 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

S T M A R Y & S T T H E O D O R E

P a g e 1 0

ST MARY & ST THEODORE COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH HASTINGS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMEBER 2025 (CONTINUED)

1. Accounting policies (Continued)

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.10 Employee benefits

The charity had no employees during the year.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

S T M A R Y & S T T H E O D O R E

P a g e 1 1

ST MARY & ST THEODORE COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH HASTINGS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMEBER 2025 (CONTINUED

3 Income from donations and legacies



Membership contribution
Collection & Church Boxes
Church Activities
Gift Aid Recovered
Investment Income (Interest
Received)		 Unrestricted Restricted
Total
Unrestricted Restricted
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
2025
2025
2025
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
£
£
£
71,849
0
71,849
83,944
0
83,944
5,151
0
5,151
6470
0
6,470
0
0
0
2010
0
2,010
17,619
0
17,619
21762
0
21,762
8,594
0
8,594
0
0
0
103,212
0
103,212
114,186
0
114,186

4 Expenditure on charitable activities

Direct costs
Clergy Living expenses
Travelling expenses
Professional fees regarding church
purchase
Church hire
Donations
Church Activates
Other expense
Share of support and governance costs (see note 5)
Governance
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds		 Specific
activities
Specific
activities
2025
2024
£
£
7,256
5,780
142
1590
23
5,007
4,126
2,580
10,482
14,650
100
1,864
3,000
115
25,129
31,586
57
57
25,186
31,643
25,163
26,636
23
5,007
25,186
31,643

S T M A R Y & S T T H E O D O R E

P a g e 1 2

ST MARY & ST THEODORE COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH HASTINGS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMEBER 2025 (CONTINUED

5 Support costs
Depreciation
Independent Examiner fee
Analysed between
Charitable activities		 Support
Governance
2025
2024
costs
costs
£
£
£
£
-
57
57
57
-
0
0
0
-
57
57
57
-
57
57
57
6 Net movement in funds 2025 2024
£ £
The net movement in funds is stated after charging / (crediting) :
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets 57 67

7 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits charity during the year.

8 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

Employees
The average monthly number of employees during the year was: 2025 2024
Number Number
Total - -

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

S T M A R Y & S T T H E O D O R E

P a g e 1 3

ST MARY & ST THEODORE COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH HASTINGS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMEBER 2025 (CONTINUED

9 Tangible fixed assets
Cost
At 1 January 2025
At 31 December 2025
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2023
Depreciation charged in the year
At 31 December 2023
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2025
At 31 December 2024
10 Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Other debtors
11 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Accruals and deferred income		 2025
£
29,953		 Fixtures and
fittings
£
527
527
203
57
260
267
324
2024
£
21,359
2025
£
0		 2024
£
0

12 Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

At 1
January
2025		 Incoming
resources		 Resources
expended		 At 31
December
2025
Fund for purchase of church 318,461 0 23 318,438

S T M A R Y & S T T H E O D O R E

P a g e 1 4

ST MARY & ST THEODORE COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH HASTINGS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMEBER 2025 (CONTINUED

12 Restricted funds (Continued)
Previous period:
At 1 January Incoming Resources
2024 resources expended At 31 December 2024
£ £ £ £
Fund for purchase of church 282,001 114,186 26,636 369,551
13 Unrestricted funds
The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are
not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include
designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.
General funds

Previous period:
General funds
14 Analysis of net assets between
funds
At 31 December 2025:
Tangible assets
Current assets/(liabilities)		 At 1 January
2025
369,551		 Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
At 31 December 2025
103,212
25,163
447,601
At 1 January 202
282,001		 Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
At 31 December 2024
114,186
26,636
369,551
Unrestricted
funds
Restrict
ed funds
Total
2025
2025
2025
£
£
£
267
0
267
447,334
318,438
765,772
447,601
318,438
766,039

P a g e 1 5

S T M A R Y & S T T H E O D O R E

ST MARY & ST THEODORE COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH HASTINGS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMEBER 2025 (CONTINUED

14 Analysis of net assets between funds

(Continued)

At 31 December 2024:
Tangible assets
Current assets/(liabilities)		 Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Total
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
324
0
324
369,227
318,461
687,688
369,551
318,461
688,012

15 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024 - none).

S T M A R Y & S T T H E O D O R E

P a g e 1 6