Photographing a ‘Punk’ Priest in Rural Russia

These photographs are amazing and so beautiful

This is the finest example of personal photography I’ve seen in years, maybe ever. Very intense, honest, unflinching... It opens a sympathetic window directly into the lives of people we would have no other access to; and tells a deeply moving story.

Ekaterina captured, and offered us a lens on, the simplicity and pace of life in this village. I’m probably not alone now in wanting to know more about the Father, how his life unfolded there and the imprint he left on the villagers. Surely his death was a painful and deeply pivotal event for many of them. Thank you for sharing this view into this man and the village with us.

Such a sad story! I really love to read about different countries, and cultures that usually are not on our radar screen! Well done, I want more. CLara Coen

Thanks, Rena, for introducing us to Ekaterina and her wonderful story told through wonderful photographs! R.I.P. Father Arkady.

Thanks for sharing this tragic story along with these fantastic Black and White Photos (are they film or digital?). My favorite pics : 'People returning after funeral' and 'Mourner with Priests Photo'. The tragedy is that folks can accept being human, are bent on violence and can't recognize and accept their own shortcomings. Thanks for this celebration of a priest who cared.