Debresina Mariyam Eritrean Orthodox Christian Community Church ## Annual Report and Accounts For the Year Ended 30 September 2025 Charity registration number: 1200432 08/07/2026 Debresina Mariyam Eritrean Orthodox Christian Community Church **Registration Number: 1200432** ## **Annual Report for the year ended 30[th] September 2025** ## Contents Chair’s Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 3 Trustees’ Annual Report ...................................................................................................................................... 4 Name, Legal Structure and Governance .............................................................................................................. 4 Charity Name: .................................................................................................................................................. 4 Governing Document ...................................................................................................................................... 4 Office Address: ................................................................................................................................................ 4 Bankers ............................................................................................................................................................ 4 Independent Examiner .................................................................................................................................... 4 Professional Advisers ....................................................................................................................................... 4 Structure, Governance and Management ........................................................................................................... 5 Leadership and Volunteers .............................................................................................................................. 5 Objectives and Activities ..................................................................................................................................... 6 Appointment of Trustees .................................................................................................................................... 6 Organisation ........................................................................................................................................................ 6 Achievements and Performance ......................................................................................................................... 7 Religious and Community Activities ................................................................................................................ 7 Property Acquisition: ....................................................................................................................................... 7 **Governance Challenges and Post Year-End Developments** ...................................................................... 7 **Risk Management** ....................................................................................................................................... 8 **Financial Review** ......................................................................................................................................... 8 Future plan ............................................................................................................ **Error! Bookmark not defined.** Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities .............................................................................................................. 9 Approval .............................................................................................................................................................. 9 Independent examiner’s report ........................................................................................................................ 10 Declarations ....................................................................................................................................................... 14 **DEBRESINA MARIAM ST MARY ERITREAN ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH,** **1 | P a g e MOBILE** 07868139788 Email: **DEBRESINANCL@GMAIL.COM** CHAIRPERSON:07960955533 Debresina Mariyam Eritrean Orthodox Christian Community Church **Registration Number: 1200432** **Annual Report for the year ended 30[th] September 2025** Members of the Board of Trustees on 30 September 2025 Rev Hadgu Yemane Tesfay Mr Mulubrha Berhie Bahta Mr Yohannes Petros Berhane Mr Bereket Yohannes Charity name: Debresina Mariyam Eritrean Orthodox Christian Community Church Charity registration number: 1200432 Registered Address: as of July 30, 2026 Debresina Mariyam EOCCC Shipcote Terrace Gateshead NE8 4AA **DEBRESINA MARIAM ST MARY ERITREAN ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH,** **2 | P a g e MOBILE** 07868139788 Email: **DEBRESINANCL@GMAIL.COM** CHAIRPERSON:07960955533 Debresina Mariyam Eritrean Orthodox Christian Community Church **Registration Number: 1200432** **Annual Report for the year ended 30[th] September 2025** ## **Chair’s Introduction** On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am pleased to present the Annual Report for Debresina Mariyam Eritrean Orthodox Christian Community Church for the year ended 30 September 2025. We give thanks to Almighty God for His continued guidance, mercy, and blessings throughout the year. We remain deeply grateful to our clergy, volunteers, congregation, benefactors, and supporters whose faith, generosity, and dedication have enabled the charity to continue advancing the Eritrean Orthodox Christian faith and serving our community. During the year, the Church fulfilled its charitable objectives through regular Divine Liturgies, prayer services, religious festivals, pastoral care, Christian education, and community engagement. A major milestone was the acquisition of a permanent place of worship, providing a stable spiritual home for current and future generations. The Trustees also encountered governance and administrative challenges that reinforced the importance of clear responsibilities, effective communication, and strong accountability. Throughout this period, the Board remained committed to fulfilling its legal duties under the Charity's Constitution and the Charities Act 2011, while promoting transparency, good governance, constructive dialogue, and reconciliation in the best interests of the Church. Looking ahead, the Board is committed to strengthening governance arrangements, improving communication, enhancing financial oversight, and safeguarding practices. With mutual respect, openness, and God’s guidance, we remain confident that our Church will continue to grow in faith, unity, and service. “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain.” (Psalm 127:1) ## **Mulubrhan Bahta** Chair of the Board of Trustees **DEBRESINA MARIAM ST MARY ERITREAN ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH,** **3 | P a g e MOBILE** 07868139788 Email: **DEBRESINANCL@GMAIL.COM** CHAIRPERSON:07960955533 Debresina Mariyam Eritrean Orthodox Christian Community Church **Registration Number: 1200432** **Annual Report for the year ended 30[th] September 2025** ## **Trustees’ Annual Report** The Board of Trustees present their Annual Report for the year ended 30 September 2025. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011, the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, and the Charities SORP (FRS 102). ## **Name, Legal Structure and Governance** ## **Charity Name:** Debresina Mariyam Eritrean Orthodox Christian Community Church Charitable Incorporated Organisation (Foundation Model) Charity Registration Number: **1200432** ## **Governing Document** The charity is governed by a constitution adopted on incorporation and registered with the Charity Commission. It sets out the charity’s objects, governance arrangements, powers of trustees, and responsibilities for administration. ## **Address:** Shipcote Terrace Gateshead Tyne and Wear NE8 4AA United Kingdom ## **Trustees During the Reporting Period** - Mr Mulubrhan Berhie Bahta – Chair - Rev Hadgu Yemane Tesfay - Mr Yohannes Petros Berhane - Mr Bereket Yohannes ## **Bankers:** ## Lloyds Bank plc ## **Independent Examiner** Flannagans Gateshead Chartered Certified Accountants 7 Bankside, The watermark Metro Reverside Park Gateshead, Tyne and Wear NE11 9SY ## **Professional Advisers** Where appropriate, the Trustees sought independent legal, property, governance, and regulatory advice. **DEBRESINA MARIAM ST MARY ERITREAN ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH,** **4 | P a g e MOBILE** 07868139788 Email: **DEBRESINANCL@GMAIL.COM** CHAIRPERSON:07960955533 Debresina Mariyam Eritrean Orthodox Christian Community Church **Registration Number: 1200432** **Annual Report for the year ended 30[th] September 2025** ## **Structure, Governance and Management** The charity ‘s governance, administration, and management rest with the Board of Trustees, who act collectively in accordance with the Constitution and UK charity law. The Trustees fully respect the spiritual authority of the Holy Synod of the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church and recognise the distinct roles within the Church: - **Holy Synod** – spiritual authority and ecclesiastical oversight - **Clergy** – sacramental, liturgical, teaching, and pastoral leadership - **Executive Management Committee (Sebeka Gubae)** – day-to-day administration where delegated - **Trustees** – legal governance, safeguarding, financial stewardship, regulatory compliance, and protection of assets Delegation to committees remains subject to trustee oversight and does not transfer legal responsibility. ## **Leadership and Volunteers** Religious services and pastoral ministry were led by the parish priest, supported by volunteers who assisted with worship, administration, safeguarding, maintenance, and community activities. The Charity recognises the **spiritual hierarchy** of the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church, which guides the liturgical and pastoral life of the congregation. This hierarchy is **spiritual only** and operates separately from the Charity’s legal governance as a CIO. The spiritual structure is: - **Holy Synod** – highest spiritual authority - **Europe and UK Dioceses** – regional spiritual oversight - **UK Sub-Diocese** – spiritual guidance for UK parishes - **Parish Pries and clergy members** – leads worship and pastoral care - **Sebeka Gubae / PCC (EMC)** – supports spiritual and community activities This spiritual hierarchy does **not** confer legal, financial, or administrative authority over the Charity. Under UK charity law, **the Board of Trustees alone holds legal responsibility** for governance, financial oversight, and compliance. **DEBRESINA MARIAM ST MARY ERITREAN ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH,** **5 | P a g e MOBILE** 07868139788 Email: **DEBRESINANCL@GMAIL.COM** CHAIRPERSON:07960955533 Debresina Mariyam Eritrean Orthodox Christian Community Church **Registration Number: 1200432** **Annual Report for the year ended 30[th] September 2025** ## **Objectives and Activities** The charity’s objects are to advance the Eritrean Orthodox Christian religion for the public benefit. This is achieved through: - Regular worship and prayer services - Celebration of religious festivals - Religious education and Sunday School - Pastoral care - Community outreach - Production and distribution of religious literature Nothing in this constitution shall authorise an application of the property of the CIO for purposes which are not charitable in accordance with section 7 of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and section 2 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008. ## **Appointment of Trustees** Apart from the first charity trustees, every trustee is appointed for a term of three years by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the Board of Trustees. In selecting individuals for appointment, the Trustees must have regard to the skills, knowledge, and experience needed for the effective administration of the CIO. Trustees may be re-appointed at the end of their term where appropriate. Any person who subscribes to the charitable objects and demonstrates the necessary willingness and suitability may be considered for appointment as a trustee. The Board of Trustees is solely responsible for identifying, assessing, and appointing potential new trustees. The Trustees provide relevant information, induction, and training to newly appointed trustees to ensure they understand their responsibilities under the Constitution and UK charity law. ## **Organisation** The charity operates in the Northeast of England, with a congregation drawn from across Tyne and Wear. The Board meets at least quarterly. The Executive Management Committee manages day-to-day activities and reports regularly to the Trustees. **DEBRESINA MARIAM ST MARY ERITREAN ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH,** **6 | P a g e MOBILE** 07868139788 Email: **DEBRESINANCL@GMAIL.COM** CHAIRPERSON:07960955533 Debresina Mariyam Eritrean Orthodox Christian Community Church **Registration Number: 1200432** **Annual Report for the year ended 30[th] September 2025** ## **Achievements and Performance** ## **Religious and Community Activities** Throughout the year, the Church continued to advance its charitable objects through: - Weekly Divine Liturgies and Holy Communion - Major feast celebrations - Holy Week services - Christenings and weddings - Ecumenical relationships with Coptic, Ethiopian, and Indian Orthodox Churches Volunteer support remained essential to worship, administration, and community activities. ## **Property Acquisition:** In 2024, the charity acquired a permanent place of worship for **£552,954** , funded through reserves, community fundraising, and loans (£150,000 from associate Eritrean Orthodox churches and £86,000 from Newcastle members). This represents a major long-term investment in the Church’s future. Routine maintenance and minor improvements were undertaken during the year. During the reporting period, the Trustees continued to manage the associated financial commitments responsibly. A proportion of the outstanding loans has now been repaid, with the remaining balances being managed through repayment. The Trustees remain committed to maintaining sound financial management while continuing to invest in the upkeep and development of the place of worship. ## **Governance Challenges and Post Year-End Developments** During the reporting period, differing interpretations of delegated authority and governance responsibilities led to administrative challenges, including delays in accessing financial and administrative records. Trustees sought resolution through dialogue, mediation, correspondence, and engagement with the Diocese. After the year end, further developments highlighted additional potential governance and operational risks, including challenges relating to leadership transition, communication within the congregation, and maintaining unity and community cohesion. These matters were not fully apparent at the reporting date but have subsequently been identified by the Trustees as areas requiring careful management. The Trustees are addressing these matters through the charity’s governance framework, adherence to the governing document, transparent decision-making, appropriate communication with members, and engagement with relevant external bodies where necessary. **DEBRESINA MARIAM ST MARY ERITREAN ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH,** **7 | P a g e MOBILE** 07868139788 Email: **DEBRESINANCL@GMAIL.COM** CHAIRPERSON:07960955533 Debresina Mariyam Eritrean Orthodox Christian Community Church **Registration Number: 1200432** **Annual Report for the year ended 30[th] September 2025** ## **Risk Management** The Trustees continue to monitor and manage key risks, including: - Financial management - Safeguarding - Regulatory compliance - Property maintenance - Health and safety - Operational continuity - Governance transition and leadership changes - Maintaining unity, communication, and community cohesion ## **Financial Review** The charity’s principal income continues to be voluntary donations and contributions from the congregation and the wider Eritrean Orthodox community. For the year ending **30 September 2025** , the charity recorded a total income of **£115,670** , with total expenditure of **£144601** , resulting in a net deficit of **£28,931** (2024: deficit of £96,265). The financial position reflects the continued management of the charity’s operations following the acquisition of the permanent place of worship in 2024, together with ongoing commitments relating to loan repayments, property costs, and the maintenance of church activities. During the year, the Trustees continued to focus on responsible financial management, including the repayment of outstanding loans, maintaining appropriate financial controls, and ensuring that resources are used effectively to support the charity’s objectives. The Trustees remain committed to: - Sound financial management - Appropriate internal controls - Transparent financial reporting - Responsible management and repayment of loans - Long-term financial sustainability The Trustees will continue to monitor the charity’s financial position closely and take appropriate measures to ensure the charity remains financially sustainable while fulfilling its religious and community objectives. **DEBRESINA MARIAM ST MARY ERITREAN ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH,** **8 | P a g e MOBILE** 07868139788 Email: **DEBRESINANCL@GMAIL.COM** CHAIRPERSON:07960955533 Debresina Mariyam Eritrean Orthodox Christian Community Church **Registration Number: 1200432** **Annual Report for the year ended 30[th] September 2025** ## **Plans for 2025/2026** The Trustees intend to: - Strengthen governance, transparency, and accountability - Improve financial management and reporting - Enhance safeguarding practices - Support development of Sunday School and youth activities - Introduce additional services (midweek prayers, Bible study, fasting-period prayers) - Continue building improvements - Expand volunteer capacity - Strengthen ecumenical relationships - Maintain unity through respectful dialogue and collaboration ## **Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities** Trustees are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and financial statements in accordance with UK law and the Charities SORP (FRS 102). They must: - Keep adequate accounting records - Safeguard the charity’s assets - Prevent and detect fraud - Select suitable accounting policies - Make reasonable judgements - Prepare accounts on a going-concern basis The Trustees confirm compliance with these responsibilities. ## **Approval** This report was approved by the Board of Trustees on **30/07/2026** . Chair of Trustees Signature: ___________________________ Date: **30/07/2026** **DEBRESINA MARIAM ST MARY ERITREAN ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH,** **9 | P a g e MOBILE** 07868139788 Email: **DEBRESINANCL@GMAIL.COM** CHAIRPERSON:07960955533 Debresina Mariyam Eritrean Orthodox Christian Community Church **Registration Number: 1200432** **Annual Report for the year ended 30[th] September 2025** ## **Statement of Financial Responsibilities** Charity Law requires the members of the Board of Trustees to prepare accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the situation of the charity as at the end of the financial year and of its incoming resources and application of resources for that year. It is also the Trustees’ responsibility to maintain adequate accounting records, safeguard the assets of the charity and take reasonable steps in preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities. The Trustees are required to: - Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. - State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the accounts; and By the order of the Board of Trustees Mulubrhan Bahta Chair of the trustees **DEBRESINA MARIAM ST MARY ERITREAN ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH,** **10 | P a g e MOBILE** 07868139788 Email: **DEBRESINANCL@GMAIL.COM** CHAIRPERSON:07960955533 # Debresina Mariyam Eritrean Orthodox Christian Community Church **Registration Number: 1200432** **Annual Report for the year ended 30[th] September 2025** # **Independent examiner’s report** **DEBRESINA MARIAM ST MARY ERITREAN ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH,** **11 | P a g e MOBILE** 07868139788 Email: **DEBRESINANCL@GMAIL.COM** CHAIRPERSON:07960955533 Debresina Mariyam Eritrean Orthodox Christian Community Church **Registration Number: 1200432** **Annual Report for the year ended 30[th] September 2025** ## **Financial Review:** **DEBRESINA MARIAM ST MARY ERITREAN ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH,** **12 | P a g e MOBILE** 07868139788 Email: **DEBRESINANCL@GMAIL.COM** CHAIRPERSON:07960955533 DEBIIEStNA MAIIIYAM EIUtIIEAN OIITHODOX CHIIISTIAN COMMUNftY CHUIICH Re2iStration Number: 1200432 Annual Report for the year ended 30 September 2025 Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period 5.IlJ 1J.6FS 13.328 32,753 Deiail¥ tktsi18 Details Fixtures ￿ fitiry5, nmchw charity's own t*tsi18 B5 Li&ilities F*nt N Dae rl YOHANNES BERHANE DEBRESINA MARIAM ST MARY ERITREAN ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH, 131 P a g e MOBILE 07868139788 Email.. DEBRESINANCL@GMAIL.COM CHAIRPERSON..07960955533 Debresina Mariyam Eritrean Orthodox Christian Community Church **Registration Number: 1200432** **Annual Report for the year ended 30[th] September 2025** For the year ending 2025, the charity has taken advantage of the audit exemption conferred by section 477 of the Company Act 2006. No member has required the charity to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question following section 476. The trustees acknowledge the responsibility for: (1) Ensuring the charity keeps accounting records which comply with the requirements of the Act, and (2) preparing accounts which give a true and fair view of the situation of the charity as at the of this financial year following requirements of the Companies Act and related Charity Acts as far as applicable to the charity. The accounts and the financial statements were approved by the board of Trustees and authorised for issue. ## **Declarations** The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above. Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees. Mulubrhan Bahta Chair of the Trustees. **DEBRESINA MARIAM ST MARY ERITREAN ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH,** **14 | P a g e MOBILE** 07868139788 Email: **DEBRESINANCL@GMAIL.COM** CHAIRPERSON:07960955533