The story is based on three stories from the Orthodox spiritual heritage. The first story, "Unusual Obedience," was inspired by a parable from the ancient Paterik: do not be proud of praise and do not grumble when scolded. The second story - "Mute Prayer" - told by St. Basil of Kinesham shows that even when standing in the temple, we often think about worldly matters, but at the same time we want to be heard. The third novella is the story of Fr. Pavel Gruzdev about "How Christ went to visit" but, clothed in earthly things, was once again rejected.
