Yakutia, the first half of the 19th century.
Bishop Amvrosy sets out into the snow-covered steppes to meet the newly baptized Tungus people, accompanied by Kiriak, a monk in disfavor, who once refused to perform the mass baptism of "outlanders". Mid-journey, they are caught in a fierce blizzard. The pagan guide Garpuni saves the Bishop, while the newly baptized Stepan leaves Kiriak to freeze to death. The elder's death brings about a miracle of unity: the unbaptized Tungus come into Kiriak's faith of their own accord, and Amvrosy finally sees the truth about the equality of all before God and about love that knows no distinction between the baptized and the pagan.
