This is the shocking moment a man disguised as a priest is caught on camera planting an explosive on the altar of a historic church.

The suspect, dressed in religious clothing, was seen on security footage lighting the fuse of an explosive device and placing it under a cloth on the altar before fleeing the scene at Santo Estanislau Parish Church in Itaiopolis, Santa Catarina.

Reports said the explosion scorched the marble altar and burned a tablecloth, but caused no major damage and left no injuries on July 30.

The church, founded in 1922 by Polish immigrants, is protected as a heritage site by both state authorities and Brazil's National Institute of Historical and Artistic Heritage (IPHAN).

Civil Police confirmed the suspect has been identified, but have not yet released his name. It is still unclear whether the man is an actual member of the clergy.

Investigators are collecting technical evidence and witness statements, with a forensic examination of the site scheduled for the following day.

Church officials filed a police report, and security at the venue has since been tightened. Despite the attack, services are continuing as usual.

The suspect is under investigation for aggravated damage and desecration of a religious object.

Under Article 208 of Brazil's Penal Code, publicly offending an act or object of religious worship can result in up to one year in prison or a fine.