It is year 1900 in Pre-Revolutionary Russia and Deacon Olympius begins to take interest in secular literature. When he stumbles upon a book by Tolstoy, he is humbled and inspired to lead a just life. Based on a story by Aleksandr Kuprin.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Stepan KrylovDeacon Olympius | Deacon Olympius |
 Igor Efimovstudent | student |
 Nikolay Gavrilovthe Dean | the Dean |
 Aleksandr Afanasevmerchant | merchant |
 Lyubov MalinovskayaNot listed | Not listed |
 Fyodor Nikitinliberal | liberal |
 Pavel Pervushinwood cutter | wood cutter |
 Tamara Timofeevatownswoman | townswoman |
 Arkadi Trusovmerchant | merchant |
 Yevgeni Grigoryevgentleman in the church | gentleman in the church |
 Lev Stepanovchurch chorister | church chorister |
 Klavdiya Fadeevadeacon’s wife | deacon’s wife |
 Svetlana Mazovetskayalady donating to the poor (uncredited) | lady donating to the poor (uncredited) |
 Nikolai Simonovvoiceover | voiceover |