The temple in honor of the icon of the Mother of God 'Odigitria', the only temple of the Russian Orthodox Church in the capital of Brazil, was built several years ago with funds from Father Francisco de Assis da Cruz Feitosa. Father Francisco, born into a Catholic family in Brazil, converted to Orthodoxy in 1994. In 2014, he was ordained a presbyter by Bishop Leonid of Argentina and South America. Many icons for the temple were painted by Father Francisco himself, as well as by local iconographer Marina Sesso.

The path to the Orthodox temple for Brazilians is quite difficult. There are almost no people in their surroundings familiar with Orthodoxy. In Russia, many are baptized following traditions, but in Brazil, where Catholic culture predominates, Orthodoxy is perceived as something exotic. Father Francisco recalls with a smile how long he convinced his wife to wear a headscarf for the service. She explained that Russians do this because of the cold. By the way, Mother Maria was the first person Father Francisco converted to Orthodoxy.

Russian priests periodically visit the temple. Once, when Father Francisco was on the road, a Russian priest called his number. Mother answered, 'A Russian priest is asking for you.' The meeting of the two priests surprised the Russians, as the temple was literally immersed in the greenery of tropical plants and trees. During his visit to South America, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and all Rus called this temple a cave.

Now the temple in honor of the Mother of God 'Odigitria' is visited by prominent Russian politicians, businessmen, and public figures who come to the capital of Brazil on official visits. Father Francisco, a Brazilian by nationality, has become the 'face' of the Russian Orthodox Church in his country.