The operative word for this expression of faith is tranquility. This is holiest place for Orthodox Catholic Ukrainians, and the dappled light on the façade of the church with its bearded priest standing within the shadows of its doorway implies contemplation.

In a cruelly incongruous irony, a few moments after I made this image expressing respect for a religious tradition, my friend and colleague Tim May had his expensive Nikon lens smashed by a Ukranian Orthodox Catholic priest who violently took exception to having his picture taken. There were no signs of photo prohibition posted in the area. It was simply a random attack from a very unexpected quarter. It is sobering reminder that as photographers we may be perceived as threats and treated accordingly. We should try to exercise our rights a photographers in a respectful and unobtrusive manner, yet always remain aware that whenever a camera is our hands, unfortunate things can sometimes happen.