St. George Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church Leeds Registered Charity Number: 1203186
Annual Report and Accounts
For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Trustees as of 31 December 2024
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Anoop Abraham (Appointed 29 January 2024)
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Smija Pulliyil Alex (Appointed 29 January 2024)
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Poulose Baby Thelappillil (Appointed 29 January 2024)
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Basil Chengamanattu Eldhose (Appointed 29 January 2024)
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Tina Mary Vibin (Appointed 29 January 2024)
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Anoop Kurian (Appointed 29 January 2024)
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Varghese Pappan (Appointed 29 January 2024)
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Alias Alukkal Varkey (Appointed 29 January 2024)
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Vigy Kunnalakkattu Kuriakose (Appointed 29 January 2024)
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Shibu K Eapen (Appointed 29 January 2024)
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Beena Thomas (Appointed 29 January 2024)
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Sijo Chacko (Appointed 29 January 2024)
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Rev. Maju Kakkanattuthadathil Manikunju – Chair (Appointed 01 January 2025)
Trustees’ Annual Report
The trustees are pleased to present the Annual Report and financial statements for St. George Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church Leeds for the year ended 31 December 2024. The Church continues to pursue its mission of advancing the Christian faith through regular worship, education, fellowship, and acts of charity within both the parish and the wider community. All activities during the year were carried out in accordance with the objectives of the Church’s constitution and under the guidance of the Charity Commission of England and Wales.
Regular Holy Qurbana services and prayer meetings were held throughout the year, strengthening the faith and unity of parish members. 2024 also marked a special milestone with the celebration of the first English Qurbana on 28 April, offering greater inclusivity for younger members and families. House blessings were conducted in Leeds, York, Bradford, Keighley, Wakefield, Huddersfield, and Pontefract, ensuring pastoral care and spiritual fellowship across the parish community.
The Sunday School grew with the addition of new students, supported by creative learning initiatives. In January, the “Write a Verse a Day” activity encouraged children to engage with Scripture regularly. A Kids’ Retreat, led by Fr. Reji Easow on 23 March, offered an inspiring day of spiritual growth and fellowship. The youth of the parish also participated enthusiastically in the MJSSA UK Kalolsavam held on 19 October, representing the Church with pride and commitment.
The Church organized numerous events to build fellowship among parishioners and promote togetherness. Major highlights included the UK Vanitha Samajam Conference on 6 April, the Perunnal Tri-Service celebration on 12 May, Vacation Bible School on 20–21 July, and Family Day on 26 August. The Family Retreat on 12 October provided an opportunity for reflection and renewal. The Christmas season was celebrated joyfully through carol visits held on 15 and 21 December across multiple towns, bringing warmth and unity among families.
As a faith community, the Church remained committed to its charitable mission throughout 2024. Key initiatives included a £1,000 contribution to the Anaah Daniel Appeal on 12 April and a £500 donation to Jayaprakash on 15 July. The Church also supported the Wayanad Appeal through the Onam Payasa Mela held on 8 and 22 September, conducted a Charity Walk on 1 June, a Blood Donation Registration Drive in November, and a Youth Charity Christmas Cake Sale on 8 December. These efforts reflected the parish’s continued dedication to compassion and social responsibility.
The trustees extend their sincere appreciation to the Vicar, office bearers, volunteers, and all members of the congregation for their generosity, faith, and service. Their collective efforts enabled the Church to fulfill its mission effectively throughout 2024. With continued guidance from God, the parish looks forward to further strengthening its spiritual life, charitable work, and community outreach in the years ahead.
Independent Examiner’s Report
I report on the accounts of St. George Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church Leeds for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are set out in the accompanying statements. The trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011. I have conducted my examination in accordance with the directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. My role is to review the accounting records kept by the charity and to compare the accounts presented with those records to ensure that they are consistent and free from material misstatement.
Based on my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which give me cause to believe that the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act 2011, or that the accounts do not accord with those records. I am satisfied that the accounts provide a fair and accurate summary of the charity’s financial activities during the year and that proper accounting procedures and controls are in place.
Independent Examiner: Shelly Mathew
Designation: Auditor and Independent Examiner
Date: 27 October 2025
Receipts (Income)
| Category Group | Actual Income (£) |
|---|---|
| Christmas | 1,876.00 |
| Cultural Event | 1,049.00 |
| Diocese Headquarters | 400.00 |
| Donations | 1,195.00 |
| Family Conference | 490.00 |
| MJSSA | 3,516.60 |
| MSOC UK | 618.68 |
| Offerings | 10,063.51 |
| Other Income | 150.00 |
| Passion Week | 585.00 |
| Refreshments | 6,012.22 |
| Services | 50.00 |
| Sound System | 1,000.00 |
| St George Day | 1,936.40 |
| Subscription | 7,590.00 |
| Auction | 393.00 |
| Charily Collection | 1,320.19 |
| VBS | 300.00 |
| Total Income | 38,545.60 |
Payments (Expenditure)
| Category Group | Actual Expenditure (£) |
|---|---|
| Admin | 981.88 |
| Building | 560.00 |
| Charity Commission | 400.00 |
| Charity Payments | 1,105.00 |
| Christmas | 586.38 |
| Cultural Events | 608.36 |
| MJSSA | 3,964.10 |
| MSOC Council Payments | 2,529.50 |
| Refreshments | 8,596.02 |
| Sound System | 2,395.42 |
| Staffing | 6,755.23 |
| VanitaSamajam | 618.68 |
| Charity | 1,000.00 |
| MSOC | 100.00 |
| Kaolsavam Expenses | 73.86 |
| VBS | 838.32 |
| Total Expenditure | 31,112.75 |
Opening and Closing Balances
| Description | Amount (£) |
|---|---|
| Opening Balance (1 January 2024) | 13,503.43 |
| Closing Balance (31 December 2024) | 20,936.28 |
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
| Description | Amount (£) |
|---|---|
| Cash & Bank Balance | 20,936.28 |
| Equipment & Furniture | 2,000.00 |
| Total Assets | 22,936.28 |
| Liabilities | 0.00 |
| Net Assets | 22,936.28 |
Notes to the Accounts
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The financial statements have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis in accordance with the Charity Commission guidelines for small charities.
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All funds held by the charity are unrestricted.
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No remuneration was paid to trustees or related parties during the year.
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All figures are based on records maintained through the ExpensePlus system.
Approval and Signature
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report and financial statements. This report was approved and signed on behalf of the trustees.
Signed by: Anoop Kurian – Trustee
Date: 27 October 2025