A sub-plot deals with Kiril's relationship with a controversial theologian and scientist, Father Telemond.

Many of the characteristics of Father Telemond were based on the controversial French Jesuit palaeontologist Pierre Teilhard de Chardin.

The book was coincidently published on 3 June 1963, the day Pope John XXIII died.

In the story, Kiril Lakota, the protagonist and archbishop of Lviv was created cardinal with the title of St. Athanasius.

In 1965, Josyf Slipyj, Archbishop (later Major-Archbishop) of Lviv was proclaimed a cardinal with the title of Sant'Atanasio (St. Athanasius) by Pope Paul VI.