Rio de Janeiro, May 25, 2026
The Russian Orthodox Church of the Holy Martyr Zenaide in Rio de Janeiro, which will celebrate its 90th anniversary in 2026, is seeking financial assistance for urgent structural repairs to preserve the historic church building.
The church, part of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Diocese of Argentina and recognized as a Cultural Heritage site, has served as a center of Orthodox Christianity in Brazil for nearly a century. It is currently led by Fr. Roman Kuhnen.
In addition to its historical role, the parish has, since 2007, carried out active missionary work among Brazilians, through which many have come to embrace the Orthodox Christian faith. As a result, the church has grown beyond its original role as a spiritual home for the Russian diaspora and has become, today, a true home also for many Brazilian converts, who now share in and help sustain the life of the parish.
Damage to the roof and walls
A technical engineering report has identified critical waterproofing failures compromising the building’s structural integrity. The roof currently relies on temporary tarpaulin coverings to prevent leaks, while rainwater infiltration and rising damp have caused accelerated plaster degradation.
The restoration plan includes replacing temporary coverings with a complete waterproofing system for the roof and domes, installing metal flashing to prevent lateral infiltration, treating rising damp at the base of walls, and restoring damaged plaster on internal and external surfaces.
The estimated cost of the restoration project is approximately $15,000. Donations can be made through PayPal at: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/AXGZLQPPTAU28
Follow OrthoChristian on Facebook, Twitter, Vkontakte, Telegram, WhatsApp, MeWe and Gab!
