Religious Sister of Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church Killed in Paraná, Brazil

A religious sister of the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate, a congregation of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, was killed after a violent attack in the State of Paraná, Brazil.

Brazilian military police apprehended a suspect shortly after the incident. According to preliminary reports from local authorities, the investigation is ongoing.

In an official statement, the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate asked for “prayers for the eternal rest of our dear sister and for all who are suffering from this irreparable loss,” and affirmed their full cooperation with law enforcement in the investigation of what they called “an act of unjustifiable violence.” The statement said of Sister Nadia: “Her life was fully dedicated to service and to faith.” The sisters’ call for prayer for everyone grieving reflects care for those in sorrow (Psalm 34:18).

The State of Paraná is home to a significant Ukrainian-Brazilian community. Large-scale Ukrainian migration to Brazil began in the late 19th century, primarily to meet the growing demand for agricultural labor, and later waves of migration continued throughout the 20th century.

The cities of Prudentópolis and Ivaí have particularly strong Ukrainian roots. According to various estimates, about 45% of the population of Ivaí is of Ukrainian descent. The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church plays a central role in preserving the Ukrainian language, spiritual traditions and cultural heritage in the region. The Church in Brazil comprises the Archeparchy of St. John the Baptist in Curitiba and the Eparchy of the Immaculate Conception in Prudentópolis, which includes Ivaí.

The killing occurred during the pastoral visit of His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, to Brazil for a meeting of the Permanent Synod of Bishops of the UGCC. The visit began on February 15 and was scheduled to conclude with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy in Ivaí.

In a video message published for his visit, Sviatoslav described the UGCC in Brazil as “an image of the Catholic Church today,” saying it lives in “full communion” both with the local Latin Church and with the Mother Church in Ukraine, thus manifesting “unity in diversity.” He also expressed gratitude to the people and the Church in Brazil for their solidarity with Ukraine, especially during the ongoing war.

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