Carpius obtains a copy of a valuable ikon and wishes to switch it with the original. He goes to the monastery where it is kept and tries to steal it. He is discovered by a monk whom he then kills. Other monks hear the commotion and capture Carpius. Carpius pleads for forgiveness. The archimandrite tell him that forgiveness is only possible through prayer. Carpius gets down on his knees and prays. Behind him the monks lock the door. They want him to pray there for the rest of his life.