Religious Sister of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church Killed in Brazil
A religious sister from the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate, a congregation of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, was killed following a violent attack in the State of Paraná, Brazil.
A suspect was apprehended by the Brazilian military police 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 authorities in the investigation of this act of unjustifiable violence.
“Her life was fully dedicated to service and to faith,” the statement said of Sr. Nadia.
Ukrainian Community in Paraná
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. Subsequent waves of migration continued throughout the 20th century.
The cities of Prudentópolis and Ivaí have particularly strong Ukrainian roots. According to various estimates, approximately 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 UGCC in Brazil comprises the Archeparchy of St. John the Baptist in Curitiba and the Eparchy of the Immaculate Conception in Prudentópolis, which includes Ivaí.
Visit of the Head of the UGCC to Brazil
This tragic incident 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.
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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 on the occasion of his visit, His Beatitude Sviatoslav described the UGCC in Brazil as “an image of the Catholic Church today,” noting that 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.
The UGCC Department for Information
