Pray and Kiss

Photographer

BEOM LEE

Category

Black & White Photography - Religious

Company

Submission Group

Professional

Year

2026

Country / Region:

South Korea

I captured a defining moment at the ancient rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a holy site for Orthodox Christians in Ethiopia. Pilgrims travel from all over the country, walking for days and weeks to reach the site. They sat, stood, and leaned against the church walls, praying and reading the Bible in complete silence. It felt deeply reverent and sincere. An old woman praying fervently and kissing the wall at the entrance to the church was particularly striking. Religion has always been a key element in human life and history. I hope the old woman found inner peace here.