A full-length documentary-feature film tells about the life and spiritual heritage of the Valaam elder Sheikhumen John (Alekseev). Many of his letters to spiritual children were distributed all over the world. The film includes over a hundred photographs. We will see not only the elder himself, his entourage, way of life, the life of the monks of Old and New Valaam, but also the precious chronicle of the era of the 1930-50s of the twentieth century.