A group of Siberian farmers seek refuge in the American Embassy in Moscow because they are being persecuted in the Soviet Union due to their religious beliefs. For political reasons, the ambassador wants to send the people away, which comes to the attention of the cardinal and archbishop of Mohilew, who has also been staying at the embassy for years. When he wants to accompany them at the risk of his life, a confrontation ensues with the ambassador, who wants to prevent this.