ICONS OF FAITH

By Adam Mitchell

UKRAINE 12.2025

From Adam Mitchell

I traveled to Ukraine with a clear purpose: to document Christmas among those most affected by war, to be among people who, in the midst of immense suffering, still find salvation, hope, and immense faith in celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. My lens was not only on the faithful, but specifically on the courage, sacrifice, and spiritual fatherhood of the priests who serve them.

What follows is the beginning of what I believe to be the most important work of my life: carrying the story of Catholics living through war, to the United States. These are stories from the front lines of both spiritual and violent conflict - a war which reaches deep into humanity, and defended by the steadfast faith of the Christians who fight at the very frontline. The only contact I made in Ukraine was through a letter of Intention, sent to His Beatitude Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk.

READ THE LETTER OF INTENTION

PHOTOS OF FAITH

Photography taken along the journey through Ukraine, witnessing a people and their nation under attack and four years of war. This is only a small portion of the incredible witness to faith I encountered. If youwould like to see the complete gallery, click here.

VISIT THE GALLERY

JOURNAL OF FAITH

Words and faces from my time on the path and on my knees, witnessing the remote aspects of the Catholic Faith and the immeasurable healing, courage and love it brings to life. All photos and video, Adam Mitchell.

Boys of a Nation

Jan 07, 2026

Message from Archbishop Borys Gudziak

Jan 05, 2026

The Madness of Indiscriminate Bombing

Jan 01, 2026

Built on Faith Alone

Dec 30, 2025

Welcoming this Stranger

Dec 29, 2025

Americans who fought for Ukraine

Dec 29, 2025

My letter to the Patriarch and Bishops of Ukraine

Adam Mitchell
December 14, 2025

The Memorial of St. John of the Cross

His Beatitude Sviatoslav,

Glory to Jesus Christ.

The purpose of this letter is to request assistance in documenting the pastoral work of Catholic priests in Ukraine as they minister to the faithful under the immense stress of war. I hope to capture the significance of this ministry through photography and video so that it may be shared with Catholic audiences in the United States and abroad.

My name is Adam Mitchell, and I have served for over ten years as the Digital Media Manager for the Catholic Foreign Mission Society of America (Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers). Much of my work focuses on documenting our mission among marginalized communities and publishing this content across appropriate online channels for mission advancement, vocations, and fundraising for apostolic projects. I am deeply passionate about this work and frequently spend my weekends traveling and documenting Catholic missionary discipleship through photography and video.

It is my goal to travel to Ukraine this month, with the specific objective of documenting the Christmas season among those most impacted by the war, those who, despite immense suffering, find Salvation, Hope, and solemnity in the celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. My focus is not solely on the faithful, but especially on the courage, sacrifices, and spiritual fatherhood of the priests who serve them.

Fully aware of the risks and security concerns involved, I am committed to working in close collaboration with the broader Ukrainian Catholic community and will gladly conform to any guidelines or structures necessary to ensure that my presence and work are a support rather than a burden.

While there is a strong possibility that this material could later be used in collaboration with Maryknoll, through Maryknoll Magazine or the Maryknoll Office of Global Concerns, it is my intention to undertake this project initially on my own time and at my own expense.

I have previously worked extensively in East Africa, South America, and the Amazon, and my photography and video work have been widely published in Catholic media. I would be happy to share my portfolio with you for your review.

I would welcome any time you might have to speak further about this proposal, and I look forward to discerning the next steps toward this goal with your blessing, guidance and support.

Please know, I will prayerfully await your response.

Your friend in Christ,
Adam Mitchell