The painting opens the series of works devoted to the actions of St. Sergius of Radonezh (about 1321-1391), who was a founder and hegumen of Trinity-Sergius Monastery, carrying secular name Bartholomew. Nesterov used an episode from the Life of St. Sergius. Unlike his brothers, Bartholomew had difficulties with education. Once, looking for missing sheep, the boy wandered into woods, where he met a monk reading prayer under the oak. Upon learning that the boy had unsuccessfully sought to get literacy, the monk used the sacrament to help Bartholomew to gain the gift of wisdom.