This composition illustrates one of the many church protests that were silenced in communist Russia by means of execution. These protests against religious repression consisted of processions in which clergy would march on the streets holding crosses. In this particular scene, a group of priests led in June 23, 1919 by Archbishop Mitrofan in Astrakhan undauntedly confront the rifles of Soviet soldiers. With the temple's door wide open and in between the two groups, the theme of relentless, opposing forces is developed. However, despite the fact that the protesters are walking toward their inevitable deaths, the composition empowers them through the use of color. Outweighing the murky tones of the soldiers' uniforms, the righteous men are empowered by tones of red, the color of unbendable faith.