TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT
STOKE-ON-TRENT ST RUFAEL AND ST ABUNE ECHEGE YOHANNES ETHIOPIAN ORTHODOX TEWAHEDO CHURCH
31 December 2025
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REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS As of 31 December 2025
REPORTING PERIOD: 29 April 2025 – 31 December 2025 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER - 1213122
CHARITY NAME
STOKE-ON-TRENT ST. RUFAEL AND ST. ABUNE ECHEGE YOHANNES ETHIOPIAN ORTHODOX TEWAHIDO CHURCH
REGISTERED ADDRESS
Northwood Parish Hall Keelings Road Stoke-on-Trent ST1 6PB
TRUSTEES
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Dn. Ermias Kiros
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Meaza Yesuneger 3. Daniel Tesfaye
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Kidus Feresenbet
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Henok Zeray
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Kuku Alemu
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Meron Selish
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Introduction
As Trustees, we are pleased to present this report covering the period from 29 April 2025 to 31 December 2025. During this period, the Church continued to develop its spiritual, educational and community activities and to provide a place where members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo faith could worship, learn, support one another and maintain their religious and cultural traditions.
The Church is committed to serving its congregation and the wider community in accordance with its charitable objectives and the teachings and traditions of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.
Worship and Spiritual Life
Worship and prayer remain at the centre of our activities. We held Divine Liturgy every two weeks , giving members regular opportunities to come together for prayer, worship and fellowship.
Alongside the regular services, the Church observed important religious occasions and encouraged members, families and young people to participate actively in the spiritual life of the Church.
We also continued to provide pastoral support and encouragement to members of the congregation when needed.
Religious Education
Religious education is an important part of our work, particularly in helping children and young people understand their faith and traditions.
The Church held weekly Bible study , providing members with opportunities to study Scripture, discuss Christian teaching and strengthen their understanding of the Orthodox faith.
We also held weekly learning sessions for young people , helping them to develop their knowledge of the Bible, the teachings of the Church and their Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo heritage.
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St. Timoty Abnet School
The Church continued its St. Timoty Abnet School , which takes place every Tuesday.
The school provides religious education for approximately 30 children and young people . Through these sessions, children learn about the Bible, prayers, Christian values, Church traditions and the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo faith.
We are grateful to those who give their time to teach and support the children and young people. Their contribution is important to the continued development of the next generation of the Church.
Ordination of New Deacons
One of the important achievements during the reporting period was the ordination of three new deacons who had been studying through St. Timoty Abnet School.
This was an important occasion for the Church and a significant encouragement to our young people. It demonstrated the value of continued religious education and the commitment of the Church to developing future servants and leaders.
Religious Festivals and Community Fellowship
The Church continued to celebrate important Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo religious festivals and occasions together as a community.
These occasions provide opportunities for prayer, fellowship and the preservation of Ethiopian Orthodox religious and cultural traditions. Members of the congregation participated in worship, singing, prayer and community activities.
The Church also seeks to maintain good relationships with other Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church communities and to encourage fellowship and cooperation between congregations.
Supporting the Community
The Church provides a welcoming environment for members of the Ethiopian, Eritrean and wider British communities. We seek to support members of our community through pastoral care, friendship, religious activities and practical support where appropriate.
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We particularly recognise the importance of supporting families, children, young people and those who may be new to the local community.
Our activities also contribute to maintaining cultural and religious identity while encouraging respect, friendship and good relationships with people from different backgrounds.
Public Benefit
The Trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and believe that the activities of the Church provide a clear public benefit.
Our religious services, Bible study, religious education and activities for children and young people help people develop their faith and wellbeing. The Church also provides opportunities for community fellowship, cultural participation and support.
The Trustees believe that these activities directly contribute to the charitable purposes of the Church.
Safeguarding and Good Governance
The Trustees recognise their responsibility to ensure that the Church is well governed and that appropriate arrangements are in place to safeguard children, young people and vulnerable adults who take part in Church activities.
We aim to conduct the affairs of the Church responsibly and in accordance with our governing document, relevant legal requirements and the principles and regulations of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.
The Trustees meet and work together to oversee the Church’s activities and to ensure that its charitable objectives continue to be met.
Financial Information
The financial activities of the Church for the reporting period are set out in the separate accounts and financial report attached to this report .
The Trustees have reviewed the financial information and are satisfied that the Church’s finances have been managed for the purposes of its charitable objectives.
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Looking Ahead
The Church intends to continue developing its worship, religious education and community activities. We particularly aim to support the continued growth of St. Timoty Abnet School, encourage greater participation from young people and strengthen fellowship within the congregation and with other Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo communities.
We will continue to work together as Trustees, volunteers and members of the congregation to ensure that the Church remains a welcoming and supportive place for worship, learning and community life.
Conclusion
We are grateful to all members, volunteers, deacons and supporters who have contributed to the life and work of the Church during this reporting period.
As Trustees, we remain committed to fulfilling the charitable objectives of Stokeon-Trent St Rufael and St Abune Echege Yohannes Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and to continuing its spiritual, educational and community work for the benefit of present and future generations.
Approved by the Trustees on: 2 January 2026
Chair of Trustees: Deacon Ermias Kiros
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Charity number 1213122
STOKE-ON-TRENT ST. RUFAEL AND ST.ABUNE ECHEGE YOHANNES ETHIOPIAN ORTHODOX TEWAHIDO CHURCH
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND ACCOUNTS
Dec-25
STOKE-ON-TRENT ST. RUFAEL AND ST.ABUNE ECHEGE YOHANNES ETHIOPIAN ORTHODOX TEWAHIDO CHURCH
For the year ended 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Reference and administrative details | Page 3 |
|---|---|
| Accounting policies | Page 4 |
| Report of the trustees | Page 5 |
| Income statement | Page 5 |
| Statement of financial position | Page 6 |
| Notes to the financial statements 1 | Page 7 |
| Notes to the financial statements 2 | Page 8 |
STOKE-ON-TRENT ST. RUFAEL AND ST.ABUNE ECHEGE YOHANNES ETHIOPIAN ORTHODOX TEWAHIDO CHURCH
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
As at December 2025
STOKE-ON-TRENT ST. RUFAEL AND ST.ABUNE ECHEGE YOHANNES ETHIOPIAN ORTHODOX TEWAHIDO CHURCH
Charity name CHURCH Charity Registration number 1213122 Registered address Northwood Patish Hall Keelings Road Stoke-on-Trent ST1 6PB TRUSTEES Trustee 1 Dn. Ermias Kiros Trustee 2 Meaza Yesuneger Trustee 3 Daniel Tesfaye Trustee 4 Kidus Feresenbet Trustee 5 Henok Zeray Trustee 6 Kuku Alemu Trustee 7 Meron Selish Bankers HSBC
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STOKE-ON-TRENT ST. RUFAEL AND ST.ABUNE ECHEGE YOHANNES ETHIOPIAN ORTHODOX TEWAHIDO CHURCH
As at December 2025
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Preparation
The financial statements have been prepared using the historical cost convention and on an accruals basis where applicable. The statements are presented using the structure and terminology of the reference financial statements supplied.
Incoming Resources
Income is recognised when received or when the organisation has an established entitlement to the income and the amount can be measured reliably. Income is reported gross unless otherwise required by the applicable accounting treatment.
Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis where applicable and is reported gross. Expenditure is classified according to its nature and the activities to which it relates.
2. INCOME STATEMENT
The income statement presents the income received during the reporting period, expenditure incurred, and the resulting net income/(expenditure). The detailed numerical statement is included in the ‘Income Statement’ worksheet.
3. Fixed Assets
The charity recongnises tangible fixed assests that are intended for long term use and depreciation is applied on a straight line basis over the estimated usefull life the asset
4. STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
The statement of financial position presents the organisation’s assets, liabilities and funds at the reporting date. The detailed numerical statement is included in the ‘Statement of Financial Position’ worksheet.
5. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Income
Income is analysed in the ‘Notes’ worksheet according to the income categories provided in the source financial information. The total agrees to the income statement.
6. TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES
The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for:
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Ensuring that the organisation maintains proper and adequate accounting records to accurately record all financial transactions and provide a clear audit trail.
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Preparing financial statements that present the financial position and financial performance of the organisation based on the underlying accounting records and information provided.
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Complying with relevant statutory, regulatory and accounting requirements applicable to the organisation.
Signed on behalf of the trustees by: _Dn. Ermias Kiros
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| STOKE-ON-TRENT ST. RUFAEL AND ST.ABUNE ECHEGE YOHANNES ETHIOPIAN ORTHODOX | STOKE-ON-TRENT ST. RUFAEL AND ST.ABUNE ECHEGE YOHANNES ETHIOPIAN ORTHODOX | STOKE-ON-TRENT ST. RUFAEL AND ST.ABUNE ECHEGE YOHANNES ETHIOPIAN ORTHODOX | STOKE-ON-TRENT ST. RUFAEL AND ST.ABUNE ECHEGE YOHANNES ETHIOPIAN ORTHODOX | STOKE-ON-TRENT ST. RUFAEL AND ST.ABUNE ECHEGE YOHANNES ETHIOPIAN ORTHODOX |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEWAHIDO CHURCH | ||||
| As at December 2025 | ||||
| Year to | ||||
| Note | Date | |||
| Revenues | ||||
| Income | 1 | £ | 23,824.45 | |
| Total Revenues | 23,824.45 | |||
| Expenses | ||||
| Allowance and Admin Expense | 3,066.28 | |||
| Church Rent | 510.00 | |||
| Vestments and Sacred items | 3,257.68 | |||
| Bank Charge | 18.92 | |||
| Transportation expense | 120.70 | |||
| Sundry expense | 437.40 | |||
| Depreciation | 396.16 | |||
| Insurance expense | 240.25 | |||
| Total Expenses | 8,047.39 | |||
| Net Income | 15,777.06 |
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STOKE-ON-TRENT ST. RUFAEL AND ST.ABUNE ECHEGE YOHANNES ETHIOPIAN ORTHODOX TEWAHIDO CHURCH
As at December 2025
| ASSETS Note Current Assets Cash at Bank - HSBC main £ Total Current Assets Fixed Assests 2 Total Fixed Assests Other Assets Total Other Assets Total Assets LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL Current Liabilities Total Current Liabilities Long-Term Liabilities Total Long-Term Liabilities Total Liabilities Capital Unrestricted Fund Total Capital Total Liabilities & Capital |
2025 12,371.09 12,371.09 3,405.97 3,405.97 0.00 15,777.06 0.00 0.00 0.00 15,777.06 15,777.06 15,777.06 |
2025 12,371.09 12,371.09 3,405.97 3,405.97 0.00 15,777.06 0.00 0.00 0.00 15,777.06 15,777.06 15,777.06 |
|---|---|---|
| 15,777.06 |
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STOKE-ON-TRENT ST. RUFAEL AND ST.ABUNE ECHEGE YOHANNES ETHIOPIAN ORTHODOX TEWAHIDO CHURCH As at December 2025
Notes to the Financial Statements
Note 1 – Income
Membership 980.00 Donation - in kind 3,802.13 Other Donations 2,189.52 Kidase Donations 2,571.58 Libse Tekino 800.00 Kebero Donation 350.00 Asrat Bekurat 1,210.00 Filseta Meba 700.00 Trip Earnings 460.00 Curtain stand 462.72 Building Funds 9,665.00 Carpet Donation 633.50
Total income
23,824.45
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STOKE-ON-TRENT ST. RUFAEL AND ST.ABUNE ECHEGE YOHANNES ETHIOPIAN ORTHODOX TEWAHIDO CHURCH As at December 2025
Notes to the Financial Statements Note 2 – Fixed Asset
| Fixed Asset Category | Fixed Asset Description |
Purchase date | End Date | Date Diff. | Method of Depreciation |
Cost 2025 | Total | Rate | Depreciation 2025 |
Accumulated Depreciation |
Net Book Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other Equipment | Bag | 1-May-25 | 31-Dec-25 | 244 | Straight Line | 78.13 | 78.13 | 0.15 | 7.83 | 7.83 | 70.30 |
| Other Equipment | Vestments | 1-May-25 | 31-Dec-25 | 244 | Straight Line | 810.00 | 810.00 | 0.15 | 81.22 | 81.22 | 728.78 |
| Other Equipment | Tsenatsil | 1-May-25 | 31-Dec-25 | 244 | Straight Line | 50.00 | 50.00 | 0.15 | 5.01 | 5.01 | 44.99 |
| Other Equipment | Hand Cross | 1-May-25 | 31-Dec-25 | 244 | Straight Line | 50.00 | 50.00 | 0.15 | 5.01 | 5.01 | 44.99 |
| Other Equipment | Megonatsefiya & Ketsela | 1-May-25 | 31-Dec-25 | 244 | Straight Line | 70.00 | 70.00 | 0.15 | 7.02 | 7.02 | 62.98 |
| Other Equipment | Tsiwa,Tsahel & Erefe Meskel | 1-May-25 | 31-Dec-25 | 244 | Straight Line | 150.00 | 150.00 | 0.15 | 15.04 | 15.04 | 134.96 |
| Other Equipment | Tseneha | 1-May-25 | 31-Dec-25 | 244 | Straight Line | 100.00 | 100.00 | 0.15 | 10.03 | 10.03 | 89.97 |
| Other Equipment | Misle Adihino(2) | 1-Jul-25 | 31-Dec-25 | 183 | Straight Line | 140.00 | 140.00 | 0.15 | 10.53 | 10.53 | 129.47 |
| Other Equipment | Curtain Stand | 1-Oct-25 | 31-Dec-25 | 91 | Straight Line | 580.90 | 580.90 | 0.15 | 21.72 | 21.72 | 559.18 |
| Other Equipment | Chair Cloths | 1-Nov-25 | 31-Dec-25 | 60 | Straight Line | 100.00 | 100.00 | 0.15 | 2.47 | 2.47 | 97.53 |
| 2,129.03 | 2,129.03 | 165.89 | 165.89 | 1,963.14 | |||||||
| Computer and Electronic Equipments | Speaker | 1-Apr-25 | 31-Dec-25 | 274 | Straight Line | 400.00 | 400.00 | 0.20 | 60.05 | 60.05 | 339.95 |
| Computer and Electronic Equipments | Wireless Mic | 1-May-25 | 31-Dec-25 | 244 | Straight Line | 196.99 | 196.99 | 0.20 | 26.34 | 26.34 | 170.65 |
| Computer and Electronic Equipments | Cables | 1-May-25 | 31-Dec-25 | 244 | Straight Line | 68.18 | 68.18 | 0.20 | 9.12 | 9.12 | 59.06 |
| Computer and Electronic Equipments | Tv Stand | 1-May-25 | 31-Dec-25 | 244 | Straight Line | 81.93 | 81.93 | 0.20 | 10.95 | 10.95 | 70.98 |
| Computer and Electronic Equipments | Laptop | 1-May-25 | 31-Dec-25 | 244 | Straight Line | 549.00 | 549.00 | 0.20 | 73.40 | 73.40 | 475.60 |
| Computer and Electronic Equipments | Tv | 1-May-25 | 31-Dec-25 | 244 | Straight Line | 377.00 | 377.00 | 0.20 | 50.40 | 50.40 | 326.60 |
| 1,673.10 | 1,673.10 | 230.27 | 230.27 | 1,442.83 | |||||||
| Total | 3,802.13 | 3,802.13 | 396.16 | 396.16 | 3,405.97 |
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