As part of an effort to gain the local villagers' favor, the German occupiers are keen to reopen the Orthodox churches that had been closed by the Soviet authorities.

However, life under the Nazis is ambiguous and the priest must walk a tightrope (metaphorically) between faithful Christian service and loyalty to his country and people.

A poignant scene is the Easter service, celebrated along with Red Army POWs surrounded by German guards.

Alevtina falls ill from contact with the POWs and puts the children first by losing herself in a snowstorm lest she infect the orphans.

The film concludes with the Soviets back in power in the region and the priest subsequently imprisoned by the NKVD on collaboration charges.