On April 29, 2025, The Catholic University of America’s Bishop Basil H. Losten Center for Ukrainian Church Studies hosted a powerful and deeply moving event titled “Andrii Smolenskyi: A Ukrainian Wounded Warrior Speaks About Faith in the Midst of Russia’s War in Ukraine.” Held in the Caldwell Hall Auditorium, the evening featured remarks from Andrii Smolenskyi, followed by a panel discussion and audience Q&A with a number of distinguished guests.
Smolenskyi, a Ukrainian military veteran who lost his sight and both hands during combat, shared his personal testimony of resilience, patriotism, and faith. Before Russia’s full-scale invasion, Andrii lived a successful life in Kyiv, working in finance and consulting. He volunteered to serve his country in 2022, leading an aerial reconnaissance unit until a devastating frontline explosion changed the course of his life.
Since his injury, Andrii has undergone extensive treatment in Ukraine and at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in the United States. Throughout this journey, his wife, Alina, has remained faithfully by his side, assisting him in communication and care. Their story has drawn international attention, with coverage from the BBC, NPR, ABC, and other major news outlets, spotlighting not only their suffering but their extraordinary courage and witness to hope.
The event was a testament to the enduring human spirit and a reminder of the ongoing need for solidarity with the people of Ukraine. Through Andrii’s story and the broader discussion that followed, attendees were invited to reflect on the relationship between faith, sacrifice, and the pursuit of justice in a time of war—echoing the university’s mission to integrate faith and reason in defense of human dignity.