**CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1204560**
## **St. Marys Indian Orthodox Church, Sunderland Receipts and payments accounts For the year ended**
## **31 March 2025**
## **XAVIERS ACCOUNTANTS LIMITED**
Chartered Certified Accountants Suite 3J Recycling Lives Centre 1A Essex Street Preston PR1 1QE
## **St. Marys Indian Orthodox Church, Sunderland**
## **Financial Statements**
## **Year ended 31 March 2025**
||**Page**|
|---|---|
|Trustees' annual report|**1**|
|Independent examiner's report to the trustees|**6**|
|Receipts and payments accounts|**7**|
## **St. Marys Indian Orthodox Church, Sunderland**
## **Trustees' Annual Report**
## **Year ended 31 March 2025**
**Reference and administrative details Registered charity name** St. Marys Indian Orthodox Church, Sunderland **Charity registration number** 1204560 **Principal office** 222 Gleneagles Road Sunderland SR4 9RA **The trustees** Sheena Philips Varghese Babu Dr Mohan George – Appointed 1.3.25 Biji Varughese – Resigned 1.3.25 Raji Thomas– Resigned 1.3.25 Jerin Joji– Resigned 1.3.25 Annamma Babu– Resigned 1.3.25 Mini Benny– Resigned 1.3.25 Jinu Varghese– Resigned 1.3.25
**Independent examiner** Mijos Xavier Xaviers Accountants Limited Suite 3J Recycling Lives Centre 1A Essex Street Preston PR1 1QE
1
## **St. Marys Indian Orthodox Church, Sunderland**
## **Trustees' Annual Report** _**(continued)**_
## **Year ended 31 March 2025**
The trustees present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025.
## **Structure, governance and management**
The trustees present their annual report and the receipts and payments account of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. We continued to meet the primary mission of the church, to meet the spiritual necessities of our community in the area. We continued pursuing our vision, notwithstanding the worldly challenges facing us, reflecting Faith, Hope and Charity at all times.
## **Governing document**
The trust is an unincorporated trust, constituted under a constitution adopted on 01 September 2023 and is a registered charity, number 1204560. The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of this report are set out on page 1.
## **Objectives of the Charity**
Charity's objective is to promote the Orthodox Christian faith. In setting our objectives, and planning our activities, we have given careful consideration to Charity Commission's guidelines on public benefit.
## **Objectives and activities**
"I know mine own, and mine own know me, and they follow me, and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand." (John 10:14, 27–28)
By the grace of God, and under the guidance of the Holy Trinity, our parish has continued to grow in faith, fellowship, and service. Our community has completed 20 years of witness in Sunderland.
With God’s blessings, we have supported families and individuals spiritually and materially, strengthened our ministries, and carried out charitable works.
## **Managing Committee**
The General Body meeting of the Church was held on Sunday 3rd March 2024 after Holy Qurbana, and a new committee has been elected to oversee the day to day affairs of the Parish from 1ST of April 2024. The following committee members were elected:
- Treasurer – Mrs Kunjumol Joy
- Secretary – Dr Mohan George
- Sunday School Headteacher – Mrs Saramma Sabu
- - MMVS Secretary – Mrs Merin Mary Shaji
- Youth Secretary – Miss Kerlin Biji
- Committee Member – Mr Jinu George
- Committee Member – Mr Raji Thomas
- Committee Member – Mr Biji Varghese (Ex official)
- Committee Member – Mr Jerin Joji (Ex official)
- Internal auditor – Mr Baiju Thomas
2
## **St. Marys Indian Orthodox Church, Sunderland**
## **Trustees' Annual Report** _**(continued)**_
## **Year ended 31 March 2025**
The committee conducted 6 meetings during its tenure. We had a very exciting and active year. The highlight was the blessed apostolic visit of His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, Catholicos of the East & Malankara Metropolitan on Monday, 27th May 2024. The occasion was graced also by the presence of our beloved HG Abraham Mar Stephanos, Bishop Stephen Wright -Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle, Fr. Happy Jacob, Fr. Christopher Hancock and many other priests. We again were blessed to have a Holy Qurbana conducted by H. G. Abraham Mar Stephanos on Sunday, 4th August 2024. We know that our Parish has a special place in his heart.
We also partook at the Malankara Orthodox Sangamam at Coventry on Saturday 25th May 2024. It was well attended and was a very gracious and blessed occasion. Sunday School Day was on Sunday 7th July 2024 had to be conducted indoors due to adverse weather conditions. It was well attended and was a very gracious and blessed occasion. MMVS and the Youth took part in the OCYM Malta Nuzaratho competition on the 11th of July 2024. OVBS was conducted from Friday 30th - 1st September 2024. Thanks to all teachers and Achen for their sincere input. Onam Sadhya was provided on Sunday 15th September. Christmas Carols was conducted on the Sunday 1st and Saturday 7th December 2024. We are also partook at the Annual Ecumenical choir presentation at the St. Joseph church in Sunderland on the Sunday 5th January 2025.
.
## **Sunday School**
- 34 students and 8 teachers in 9 classes (KG to Class 10).
- Adopted the Talmido curriculum in collaboration with OSSAE-UK.
- Held unit talent competitions (solo/group song, elocution, essay writing, quiz).
- • 7 students appeared for the 10th Grade Vedhapadana Certificate examination with excellent results.
- OVBS 2024: Theme “Let Us Pray” (Luke 11:1), attended by 39 children.
## **Martha Mariam Vanitha Samajam (MMVS)**
- Monthly prayer meetings on 1st and 3rd Saturdays.
- Participation in South Regional Conference (April 2024, Southampton).
- 10 members successfully completed MMVS examination.
- MMVS team won the zonal quiz competition
- • MMVS took over the responsibility of the food provision
## **OCYM & Other Activities**
- Youth members actively participated in worship, parish events, and diocesan programs.
- Youth conducted a carwash and participated in various fund raising activities
- Home visits by Vicar and Committee members provided pastoral care, blessings, and
- fellowship.
3
## **St. Marys Indian Orthodox Church, Sunderland**
## **Trustees' Annual Report** _**(continued)**_
## **Year ended 31 March 2024**
At the Annual General Body meeting on 1st March 2025, a new Managing Committee was elected and began duties on 1 April 2025.
The Election of Office Bearers for 2025 - 2026 is as follows:
Trustee: Sabu Varughese Kadavanthanam
Secretary: Susannamma Thomas
Committee Members:
- Babu Varughese
- Biji Varughese
- Lijo Mathew
- Kunjumole Joy (Ex-Officio}
- Mohan George (Ex-Officio)
Internal Auditor: Nadia Iype
Additional representatives and officers:
Sunday School : Riya mol Rajan/ Rency Xavier
Martha Mariam Samajam: Merin Shaji/ Sheena Philips
OCYM: Mr. Varughese Babu/ Miss. Kerlin Biji
Safeguarding Officer: Mr. Jinu George
Malankara Association: Mr. Sabu Varughese Kadavanthanam
Media Coordinator: Miss Della Sabu / Mr. Jinu George
It was decided that the Charity Commission Trustees will be:
- Sheena Philips
- Varghese Babu
- Dr. Mohan George
4
## **St. Marys Indian Orthodox Church, Sunderland**
**Trustees' Annual Report** _**(continued)**_
## **Year ended 31 March 2025**
**Financial Review**
The charity's principal funding source is from donations and from other activities. During the year, the charity’s total receipts was £28,900 and total payments amounted to £23,598. The charity’s fund balance at year end was £17,281.
## **Reserve policy**
It is policy of the charity to maintain unrestricted funds at a level which equates to approximately six months unrestricted expenditure. This provides sufficient funds to cover management and administration and support costs.
The trustees' annual report was approved and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by:
**Sheena Philips Trustee**
**Date: 18 September 2025**
**5**
## **St. Marys Indian Orthodox Church, Sunderland**
## **Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of St. Marys Indian Orthodox Church, Sunderland**
## **Year ended 31 March 2025**
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of St. Marys Indian Orthodox Church, Sunderland ('the charity') for the year ended 31 March 2025.
## **Responsibilities and basis of report**
As the trustees of the charity, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 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 giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
2. the accounts do not accord with those 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.
## **Mijos Xavier ACA FCCA Independent Examiner**
**Suite 3J Recycling Lives Centre 1A Essex Street Preston PR1 1QE**
## **Date: 18 September 2025**
**6**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
ST. MARYS INDIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH, 1204560
SUNDERLAND
Receipts and payments accounts CC16a
For the period Period start Period end date
To
from 01-Apr-24 31-Mar-25
Section A Receipts and payments
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment
Total funds Last year
funds funds funds
to the nearest
to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £
£
A1 Receipts
Offertory 2,932 - - 2,932 1,246
Subscription 10,370 - - 10,370 5,600
Sunday School Donations 3,088 - - 3,088 720
Food Donations Received 785 - - 785 431
Perunal Offerings 650 - - 650 100
1,010 - - 1,010 968
Harvest Festival Auction
Other Donations 1,102 - - 1,102 190
Passion Week Receipts - Previous Year - - - 225
Passion Week Receipts - Current Year 300 - - 300 1,081
Onam Donations 936 - - 936 649
Christmas Donations Received 1,755 - - 1,755 1,650
Martha Mariyam Samajam Receipts 4,094 - - 4,094 596
Youth Charity Donations Received 869 - - 869 175
Birthday Donations 180 - - 180 50
Wedding Anniversary Donations 30 - - 30 20
Orthodox Sangamam Receipts 580 - - 580 270
Diocese Day Collection 145 - - 145 665
Surplus income from previous period - - - - 9,836
Catholicose Day Donations 75 75
- - -
Sub total (Gross income for 28,901 - - 28,901 24,471
AR)
A2 Asset and investment sales
- - - -
- - - - -
Sub total - - - - -
Total receipts 28,901 - - 28,901 24,471
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment
Total funds Last year
funds funds funds
to the nearest
to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £
£
A3 Payments
Reimbursement Vicar's Expenses 6,000 - - 6,000 2,000
Charity Donations Paid 450 450
Rent For Church 1,600 - - 1,600 800
Sunday School Expenses 1,675 - - 1,675 783
Snack Box/Food Expenses 1,051 - - 1,051 1,184
Printing & Stationery 438 - - 438 160
Holy Qurbana Expenses 132 - - 132 274
Gifts 163 163
Passion Week Expenses - 2024 1,379 - - 1,379 794
Onam Expenses 923 - - 923 1,265
Christmas Expenses 1,347 - - 1,347 56
Martha Mariyam Samajam Payments 2,637 - - 2,637 1,753
Youth League Expenses 199 - - 199 686
Diocese Contributions Paid 1,600 - - 1,600 1,935
Repairs & Maintenance - - - 200
Miscellaneous Expenses 175 175
Entertainment Expenses 300 - - 300 230
Donations to Other Clergy 2,250 2,250
Professional Fees 446 - - 446 373
OVBS Expenses 551 - - 551
Groceries and Household Items 160 - - 160
Travelling Expense 123 - - 123
- - -
Sub total 23,598 - - 23,598 12,492
A4 Asset and investment
purchases
- - - -
- - - -
Sub total - - - - -
Total payments 23,598 - - 23,598 12,492
Net of receipts/(payments) 5,302 - - 5,302 11,979
A5 Transfers between funds - - - - -
A6 Cash funds last year end 11,979 - - 11,979
Cash funds this year end 17,281 - - 17,281 11,979
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period**
|**Categories**|**Details**|**Details**|**Details**||**Unrestricted**
**funds**||**Restricted**
**funds**||**Endowment**
**funds**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||**to nearest £**||**to nearest £**||**to nearest £**|
|**B1 Cash funds**|**Cash in hand**||||**-**||**-**||**-**|
||**Cash at the Bank - Current Account**||||**17,281**||**-**||**-**|
|||||||||||
||||||||**-**||**-**|
||**_Total cash funds_**||||**17,281**||**-**||**-**|
||(agree balances w ith receipts and payments
account(s))||||OK||||OK
**Endowment**
**funds**|
||||||**Unrestricted**
**funds**||**Restricted**
**funds**|||
||**Details**||||**to nearest £**||**to nearest £**||**to nearest £**|
|**B2 Other monetary assets**|||||**-**||**-**||**-**|
||||||**-**||**-**||**-**|
||||||**-**||**-**||**-**|
|||||||||||
||**Details**||||**Fund to which**
**asset belongs**||**Cost (optional)**||**Current value**
**(optional)**|
|**B3 Investment assets**|||||||**-**||**-**|
||||||||**-**||**-**|
||||||||**-**||**-**|
|||||||||||
||**Details**||||**Fund to which**
**asset belongs**||**Cost (optional)**||**Current value**
**(optional)**|
|**B4 Assets retained for the**
**charity’s own use**|||||||||**-**|
||||||||||**-**|
|||||||||||
|||||||||||
|||||||||||
|||||||||||
|||||||||||
||||||||||**-**|
||||||||||**-**|
||||||||||**-**|
||||||||||**-**|
|||||||||||
||**Details**||||**Fund to which**
**liability relates**||**Amount due**
**(optional)**||**When due**
**(optional)**|
|**B5 Liabilities**|||||||**-**|||
||||||||**-**|||
||||||||**-**|||
|||||||||||
|Signed by trustees on behalf of all
the trustees|Signature||||Print Name||||Date of
approval|
||||||**Sheena Philips**||||**18-Sep-25**|
|||||||||||
|||||||||||
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