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- Take this. - Gabriel!

ONE STEP BEHIND THE SERAPHIM

Hurry up!

Lord, Master of our lives, teach us right from wrong...

Please show us the way...

Amen!

- Hello. - Uplifting, isn't it?

- This is my boy. - Hello.

Have you two met?

Only during preparation.

Gabriel.

I thought you had failed.

- He made it. - That's what matters!

Make sure you sit next to Tudor.

Why?

He got in first, you got in last.

You can learn from him.

His parents brag around, while you...

Come on!

Your glasses!

- Please, I don't want them. - Please.

- Is the seat taken? - No.

Gabriel.

Aid.

- Sorry? - Aid.

- God bless! - Hello, Father.

Welcome to our St George Seminary.

I am Father Ivan, your form master.

He is the Father Pedagogue.

I'll show you around.

Only the children.

Morning prayer, daily at 6.30.

then the first hour of study.

Then breakfast, classes until 2 p.m., lunch, then rest until 4.

- Can we go out? - Only with written permission.

- Even to call home? - Only with permission.

Otherwise, you get 5 days of suspension.

One night of absence equals expulsion.

Already fighting for food? What's that?

This is our chapel.

It may look simple, but it is a holy place.

Think of it as the first church you will serve in.

The laboratory in which you will learn the priestly rites.

Father, do we have to attend all prayers?

Should a future priest ask that?

10 absences in prayers

mean 5 days' suspension.

Get suspended twice and you're expelled.

Father Pedagogue will keep count.

Your future depends on his record book.

It reflects your morality.

You are here to become priests.

"You are not your own" - Corinthians 6:19.

A clean heart and record have nothing to fear.

Father Pedagogue is a bit strict,

but fear not: I will be your shepherd.

I want us to be the most united class. Do you?

Yes.

That looks like my watch.

I think he stole my wallet!

Look at that dark skin. Hide your valuables!

I'll keep my things under my bed!

Cut that out!

What's up, four-eyes?

- Leave him alone! - Buzz off.

What's wrong?

They're calling him a Gypsy.

So what if he's a Gypsy?

I'm not even a Gypsy.

- I'm an Arab. - A what?

An Arab. Born in Israel.

So why are you here?

Why are you here?

I'm a Romanian Orthodox. I have a right to.

Mum's Romanian, Grandpa is a priest.

I have every right to be here.

I know about Arabs.

They flee their country to dodge military service,

get our girls pregnant and run back.

- Mind your language. - It's true!

I get to visit Dad abroad each summer.

- Like you'd get a visa! - I don't need one.

I have this.

I can leave the country any time.

Let me see.

- So? - Right on, Father.

Aid... Akili.

Akil.

- Lights-out in 5 minutes. - And the prayer?

You'll pray here tonight.

May I read?

Tudor will do it tonight.

Let's do the shortest one.

No, let's do it right.

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Eternal God, King of every creature,

forgive me the sins I have committed this day,

Cleanse my soul from every defilement.

O Holy Trinity, because of the abundance of thy goodness

thou hast not destroyed me:

but in thy compassion raised me up as I lay in despair;

that at dawn I might sing of thy Majesty.

Enlighten the eyes of my understanding...

Mowgli! You got an absence, sucker.

...of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

- Now and- - Scroll forward.

Have mercy upon me, O God,

blot out my transgression, cleanse me of my sin.

Ask questions, seek answers!

Debate amongst yourselves, or with teachers.

Don't be afraid to be curious, we're here to learn.

You can ask me anything.

Come on, show some courage!

Yes, go ahead.

No need to stand up.

Why do they say "Believe and do not question"?

Good question!

It's pseudo-Christian.

The Bible never says that, people do.

The simplest, most logical explanation would be this:

Imagine truth as a mountaintop.

The path of faith takes us straight there.

The path of science takes a spiralling route.

Because science needs proof.

Both will get there, but we might have to wait for millennia.

As humans, we'd lose precious time

trying to prove what faith has confirmed.

More questions?

Excuse me, how many prayers per day?

Morning and evening, those before and after each meal,

plus those before and after class - 10 prayers a day.

The seniors won't let us shower.

- Try tomorrow. - We've tried all week!

Who's swearing? Hold this.

Wait in line!

Gabi, don't let your glasses fog up!

What the fuck?

What, motherfucker?

Swearing at me?

Stop that.

I'll kill him.

What's wrong?

How could you hit him?

- He called me a motherfucker. - So?

He'll get points off, you can get expelled.

Why do you think he didn't hit back?

Boys...

Violence has no place in our Church.

Come tell me, don't hit people.

Father, if they expel me,

It's not your fault.

Oh, but it is.

That's why I'm here.

To fight for you, to protect you.

It hurts me when one of you is in danger.

You have been chosen among many for this holy mission.

Expulsion is like ecumenical death.

Like betraying your mission, disappointing God,

who chose you.

And you risk that for nonsense?

The others, you can go. Matei...

Father Pedagogue, take everyone, pray to God

to save us from the Board!

Gabriel, what kept you?

I went to get my tunic.

Sit down.

Did you see the slapping?

- But he swore at him. - So you were there.

Good, we can prove provocation.

Write it all down.

The others also wrote statements.

- It's a pity, he's a good boy. - I know.

- So if I do this, he'll be fine? - Of course!

Dear Lord.

What's up, faithful flock?

Who snitched?

Was it you?

Was this the bed of the 'deceased'?

Hold this.

Put that Bible down!

We can knock each other around,

but snitching...

They didn't expel him for that slap.

But because someone wrote a statement.

Who?

- We told what we saw. - Telling doesn't get you expelled.

Someone wrote it down.

- No one wrote anything. - Really?

What if your friend here did it?

No, I was there!

Now you're telling us off?

Forget it, they're too stupid.

- Was it you? - Are you a foreigner?

You look foreign.

Olah, let's go.

We're all good, man.

Do not worry, we will find a way.

God bless.

Father!

You said he wouldn't get expelled.

Of course he got expelled.

- But he was provoked! - So?

You said others wrote statements too.

One was enough.

You led me to believe...

...that I was helping him!

Are you calling me to account, boy?

Mail is here. Tudor!

He's in the chapel.

- Lupu. - That's me.

- Aid Akil. - Here.

- Tudose. - He's in the canteen.

Father, why is my letter opened?

It arrived like that.

It's from Dad in Israel!

Now what?

Hey!

If you open that door you'll get an absence.

Come with me.

We'll explain why we're late.

Fine.

Gabi!

Get in there.

What are you doing here?

He's with me.

I'll get an absence... My first one.

Can you believe this guy?

Please, we were only one minute late.

Father Pedagogue, please don't mark us absent!

Was anyone else late?

Father, wait!

For one minute?

Father Pedagogue, please. It was one minute.

Now what?

You'll have a clean record.

What's up?

...Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God,

have mercy on us.

From bed and sleep Thou hast raised me,

enlighten me that I may praise Thee.

- Holy, Holy - - Fast forward.

Start with the psalms.

Psalm 50. Faster.

- Irimia Sorin. - Here.

Leonte Radu.

Absent.

- Moiceanu Olah. - Here.

You older students, forgot to cross yourselves?

The freshmen can do it.

Voinea, wait for your turn.

Can't you see I'm here?

Voinea, I'm not at V yet.

Can you see me or not?

So say I'm absent.

- You're insolent. - I'm here.

- The dorms are locked anyway. - Sod off, God forgive me.

Păcuraru Cătălin.

Lord, have mercy on the Romanian people,

on our country's leaders,

on our military,

and remember them all

in thine Kingdom.

What's with the slaves?

They're our protégés.

Someone has to teach them the ropes.

Got any money?

Teach us what?

How to get by in the Seminary.

Assuming we can trust each other.

Can we?

I'll give it back.

- For sure? - I will, man.

What are you doing?

- Now you want to jump? - Yes.

You want us to jump?

- Yes. - We'll break our legs!

I've been doing this for 4 years.

- Let's just go. - Gabi, come on.

Let's go.

You cowards!

- Come, Gabi. - Gabi stays.

Stop staring like an idiot. Scram!

Shoo before I kick you!

Piss off!

Come on!

- You're like me! - Don't make us wait!

Being a priest is about having the guts.

Leading, not being led.

So, do we trust each other?

Do we?

We do.

Alright.

Lesson one: Trust no one.

Gabi!

Gabi!

Lying is a survival skill. Use it right, and it will save you.

Say two things. Lie about one, but convince me.

- My cousin - - True.

You. Make me believe it.

- For Easter I - - Liar.

Say two things -

Lying already.

When you imagine things, you look up. When you remember, you look down.

Look what the pretty lady's bringing.

Go ahead.

Bottoms up!

3, 2, 1, go!

You drunkards!

Easy there, you're paying!

Cheers.

Let's go.

Most important thing: No snitching.

I can't believe this!

The Bishop's is just the same.

No it isn't.

Hello, Father.

Stand aside.

Look at them trampling each other. For God and for us.

God protect our Archbishop

and save him from harm,

for many years to come.

You idiots!

Baby, I'm in love!

- What's that? - Firecrackers. Want some?

Here.

Why does he get two?

Just so. Light it up.

Next time, the Holy Trinity.

- Remember: Dogmatics is... - The mathematics of theology.

Good.

Ready for the tests?

Good boys.

And one more question. Sit down.

Does anyone have workout weights in the dorms?

Father Headmaster heard some banging last night.

From your dorm.

Know anything about it?

I thought we could rely on trust.

As the most united class.

Who set off firecrackers?

Vlănceanu?

- I was asleep then. - "Then"?

- I don't know, Father. - Lying is a sin.

Vasile.

Don't you dare say you were sleeping.

But I didn't hear a thing.

Really? No banging?

- None. - You must be a deep sleeper.

The Headmaster heard it from the other building.

If you have bad hearing, you don't belong here.

Do you need a medical checkup?

- Can you hear me? - I only heard voices.

- Saying? - Can't remember.

Remember, or it's the Board for you.

Maybe... "Give me some, Dorneanu."

Dorneanu!

Up, you shameless creature.

Hiding like a cur when you were involved?

Shame on you! Who else was in it?

Say it already!

Dorneanu, tell the truth so I can save you from the Board.

There was Aid, too.

Aid! Stand up!

Your grandfather spoke well of you, you rat!

- It was a joke, Father. - Lighting firecrackers?!

Who else? Don't look like you don't know!

No one.

- You're lying to me? - Gabi!

- No, Father. - Yes you are!

You lie to a priest, Aid?

It's like lying to God, or Allah.

I'm a Christian.

- Anything to say, Dorneanu? - No, Father.

Who was the third?

Who was it, boy?

Speak!

It was me, Father.

I was the third.

Thank you.

You thought I didn't know?

I know everything!

You scum, sitting there like a lamb!

I wanted to see how far you'd go with your lies.

You three, out.

The others, write a statement about it.

You said you'd protect us!

I cannot protect liars. Out!

Move it already!

Start writing.

"Statement:"

"I, the undersigned -"

- and your name -

"Around 23:15,"

"after Olah Constantin gave me -"

- It's not their fault, Father! - Write what I say.

- It's not fair! - You're the one to talk!

Gabriel, I'm only after Olah.

Write it and all three of you are safe.

- I don't want to, Father. - Really?

Your colleagues have already incriminated you.

- Then why should I write this? - It's Olah I want!

You want to be a priest.

Don't miss it for a guy like Olah.

- No, Father. - Think of your parents!

Dorneanu and Aid depend on you, too.

Don't shatter their dream of priesthood for Olah!

I can't, Father.

You will all be expelled.

I hope Olah is worth it.

Doesn't our Church preach forgiveness?

They detonated dangerous firecrackers!

"Dangerous"?

They're children.

This is not a place for children!

You forget I'm the Deputy Director!

If we don't expel them,

you'll ruin my authority!

Calm down, please!

Sit down.

Two of the three could be very useful.

Dorneanu Ştefan's father runs Rom Silva.

His mother runs RomMedicom.

Mariş Gabriel's parents run a business too.

Our school is in need.

So now it's about funds?

The Arab is useless.

But we cannot expel him alone.

Father!

Don't say I didn't save you.

It was a bloodbath.

Thank you so much, Father!

I told you they'd forgive us!

Yes, right away.

Tell your mum I left my shoes under her bed.

- They were expensive! - OK!

Just a moment.

Yes, of course.

- Will you be long? - He's talking to his mum!

He's a mama's boy. But you can wait with us!

No, thanks.

Alright.

Your boots are lovely!

Alright then.

Listen, my credit's running out.

Yes, bye!

Where are you going?

Leave the girls alone!

Gabriel, Olah is waiting!

Dorneanu, let's have a word!

Wait up!

Don't be idiots.

Let them come to you.

Girls, coming to us?

I'll show you.

It's fate! I was just about to call you!

You stupid Gypsy.

Hey, I was talking to you!

- You sure you got it? - Yeah.

Still taken?

Just a bit longer.

But you can wait with us.

- We're in a hurry. - He won't be long!

- You've blinded me! - Put on sunglasses!

Let's just use the other one.

Hey!

Thanks!

So, what else are you forbidden to do?

First, we shouldn't be here.

No meeting girls, no kissing icons...

Meaning?

No kissing for three days after Communion.

When was your last Communion?

Ivan!

Gabi! Ivan is here!

Father Pedagogue is with him!

What can I get you, Father?

Some honesty, Miss.

Where are the Seminary students?

I don't know our clients that well.

- God bless! - God bless, Father.

Any point in asking about the Seminary students?

Do you see any student here?

Six glasses for two girls?

Dorneanu!

Get over here!

Come on!

Mr. Club Owner, Dorneanu Ştefan, seminary student.

I thought I'd introduce you.

Where are the others?

Speak!

You'll face the Council. Off to school!

Why do you let them in?

We should work together.

Father, they bring half the profit.

This is no place for them: cigarettes, alcohol, girls...

Call me, I'll raid this place and expel them.

- I don't... - Oh?

If I come here daily, won't you go bankrupt?

What if my bodyguard stops you?

Raducu? I baptised his child.

Raducu, how's the little one?

God bless!

God bless.

Good game?

Once the shirt comes off, don't stare at her tits.

Keep kissing down to the bellybutton, until you reach the pants.

Or the skirt, depending.

Take them off slowly, whisper something nice...

Now for the panties.

They're a bit complicated.

Take them off real slow, while distracting her.

Once she's distracted, the panties come off.

Start with two fingers.

Get the spring flowing.

- The spring? - Turn her on, get her wet!

Give it a few rubs.

Once she's wet, take off your pants slowly.

Keep her distracted, looking at you!

Or with her eyes closed.

Then you stick it in, very gently.

In and out, in and out.

When you're about to... you know,

you think about dead horses, rats,

anything, just not about sex.

- He won't get to fuck Bianca! - Shut up!

Hey, numbskull.

You have to stay a virgin until you're ordained.

Who will know, other than you, her, and God?

So if a girl asks, you fuck her?

No way.

Of course I'd fuck her!

I've done it more than once.

The priest will ask if you're a virgin.

I'll say what he wants to hear!

What's the point of Confession if you lie?

If she says "Fuck me", what do you say?

"No, I have to go to Confession"?

- Hey. - What's up?

Off the hook?

You should be fasting!

Screw fasting!

Good morning.

Are your parents away?

I skipped the service.

Ivan was holding a sermon and...

Why so quiet?

Good morning.

Hurry up, Mariş!

- What's the matter, Father? - You'll see.

What did you do last night after 8 p.m.?

- I was in the dorm. - No, step by step.

I left study class around 9.

I went to Prayer.

Then I went to the dorm and...

I fell asleep.

Can you remember seeing Olah at Prayer?

Look at me, Mariş.

- I think so, yes. - How about after Prayer?

He came to our room, we talked.

Hear that, Olah? You're everywhere!

I told you I was in the TV room all evening.

I have witnesses.

Why did Mariş lie?

To protect me. But there's no need.

- I didn't steal that record book. - I'll prove you did.

You stole it and marked your absences "excused".

But, being stupid, you don't know the Pedagogue has two record books.

In the evening, he transcribes everything in the second.

Where do you think I found differences?

At least if you had done it for others too...

Father, it's not about this.

- That's not why you hate me. - Olah!

God can punish you for getting that girl pregnant.

Theft and forgery equal expulsion from any Seminary.

Alright, Father.

Voinea stole the record book.

He modified the records. I just kept watch.

Voinea, your brother says you stole the record book.

Olah was with me.

We stole it together.

He just wants to get off. He did it!

And he slashed those tyres in front of the Bishop's residence.

You were with me. We did it all together.

- You smoke in bed! - Shut up!

- You play pool for money! - Shut it!

Why? So I can take the fall alone?

- You destroyed us, idiot. - You're the idiot.

Father, please, we're in the final year.

You won't see us again.

You're no more convincing as a beggar than as a priest.

- Remember what we discussed? - What, Olah?

I'll sign anything about anyone.

Even if I don't know them.

How cute. Let's walk you around the Seminary.

Remember what you promised my mother!

I believe in God!

Sir...

Can't you do something?

They say "If you know, don't tell;"

"if you tell, don't write; if you write, don't sign it."

"If you sign it, you're doomed."

Hey.

Will you let me explain?

Explain what?

- You worm! - I'm sorry.

I swear, man!

You got us expelled, not them!

"Don't get bored on your own."

"Let's get bored together!"

So lame.

Come on!

Have you seen their style?

"My name is Raluca. I'm a 17-year old Leo."

"I like East17 and I want to meet a handsome boy."

What's that crap? Our ad stands out.

But I usually write to them!

How long have you been doing this?

Have any girls answered?

They will.

Or you post an ad and let them write to you.

I guarantee you'll get at least 10 replies.

- More like 20! - Yeah, right.

Just not with your face. We'll find another.

God bless, boys.

Sit down.

Are you studying or sleeping?

Father, look at these "icons".

We should get stricter, even the good boys are here.

Aid, Mariş...

Andrei, I hear you don't like our food.

- But I do. - I hear you're cheeky.

You threw a plate today.

It just slipped.

If you hate the conditions, why stay?

How come Tudor doesn't complain?

A model student, no grade below 8, no absence.

You've jinxed him, Father.

A request to go out? Such a disappointment.

You think you deserve favours?

I was joking, don't tear it!

We could make an exception.

I don't want any.

Good.

Anything else?

Yes!

I propose we abolish study class. It's a waste of time.

How so?

Those who don't have to study just bother the others.

Any other ideas?

Yes.

- Permission to go out daily at noon. - It's allowed.

Only if the Father Pedagogue is in a good mood.

Stay out of it, you.

It's not up to me.

- It's up to the Board. - And I'm a member.

But, if I'm not mistaken,

students have a right to a representative on the Board.

Isn't that so?

How are you?

What's wrong?

You never call, never write.

I've been busy. Ivan keeps bugging us.

Let's take a walk.

Where?

I have to be there for roll call.

Fine, go.

- I mean it. - Fine.

You want a perfume, new shoes, or to go out with a girl.

I'm really happy for you.

But you're here because no one would lend you money.

This is Poorman's Bank, stop whining.

Poorman's Bank, with 50% interest?

It's "Poorman's" because you're desperate!

20%.

Go live off your fucking student aid.

40%.

Andrei, kick him out before I do.

Fine, 50%.

Now you're talking.

Guarantees?

- A walkman. - Stick it up your ass.

I'm talking gold and stuff.

You already have a guarantee here.

Well, then?

If you're late, I'll sell them.

The priest is a community's most influential person.

He decides what to sell or buy.

- How about renovation? - Easy money.

You can pocket some of the costs.

Can we sell a grave site twice?

Yes, with help from the church council.

If you control the council, you control the church's income.

You can justify any expense.

No word of this to anyone.

633.

The post office lady said 638.

So many desperate women!

- Don't be nosy. - I'll pick.

Me too.

Wait a minute!

We can make money off these letters.

How?

Hey, shove off.

All these girls want to talk to this Alex we invented.

We can tell each of them she's the chosen one.

What do we gain?

We say Alex wants to spend New Year's Eve with her.

But she has to send a guarantee.

They won't mail us money.

Think about it.

Maybe not all, but at least 100 will.

It's still a lot of money.

For a non-existent party?

Now you go.

Attention, please.

The Board has granted your request.

Study class is abolished.

And you can go out once a day, at noon.

Who is our Board representative?

Tudor Alexandru.

Well done!

Let's rehearse.

No more study class!

Leave him alone.

- Come here with the big boys! - Don't bring him here!

- He's our friend. - Our friend?

I dared to speak up, and he's on the Board!

Because he's a snitch!

Guys, let bygones be bygones.

You're stepping on my foot.

- Am I a bother? - Yes.

Get lost!

Hey, Gabi, Aid!

- Andrei! - Stay with us.

- What? - Look here.

In the name of the Father...

Go, Dorneanu, go!

Turn the music down!

We're auctioning off pretty girls!

Right.

Antonia, pretty, 25, Bucharest.

100, do I see 200?

Bucharest, pretty, 18, blue eyes. 100!

15 years old for 200, anyone?

Just take them free of charge!

Are you insane?

You idiot, this is our money!

Go fuck for free!

He has six-pack abs!

Have some beer!

What happened?

The idiot drank himself unconscious.

- And you let him? - He wanted to match me glass for glass.

- I'm calling the Pedagogue. - Wait!

Get him in bed.

We can turn him in!

No.

Gabi, think!

Not like this.

No snitching, Aid.

Fuck you! He would snitch on you!

He's not breathing!

- What? - He's not breathing.

Tudor?

Tudor!

No one leaves!

Get him up.

Hold his head.

Make room.

Tudor!

Let me unbutton this.

I'm calling an ambulance.

At the Seminary? For alcoholic coma?

Want him to die?

Grab him.

Easy now.

Wait.

He's pissed himself.

- Let's take him back. - He's just drunk.

Now he's just drunk. What if he's dead tomorrow?

Let's go, girls!

He's so fat.

Fuck you, Dorneanu.

Careful!

Shut up!

Where is the ambulance coming?

Around the corner.

Wake up! Get up!

From now on, you pray standing.

Gabi, if your parents could see you...

- I'm a bit nervous. - No reason to be.

- What if I stutter? - You won't.

It will be alright.

All done.

Thanks.

Dearly beloved,

- We have gathered here - - No. Again.

- Dearly beloved - - Again. More passion, more joy.

- Dearly beloved, we - - No. Look.

Dearly beloved.

Try again.

- Dearly beloved - - No.

Gabriel, convince them with your words.

I can't convince them just with words!

How did I convince you?

- Father, let him say it. - You try, if you think you're better.

- Dearly beloved. - And you.

- Dearly beloved. - And you.

I pity your future parishioners.

Gabriel, listen.

Put your heart in it. Dearly...

Tudor, what happened to you?

Should we take you to a hospital?

Tell us, we are by your side.

Dearly beloved! We -

No.

Pour out your soul into the words.

Dearly beloved.

Now you try.

- Dearly beloved - - No. Dearly beloved.

- Dearly beloved. - No.

Look straight into their souls.

A pause, and then:

Dearly... beloved.

Try it.

Dearly beloved.

Hey, dickhead.

Mention this to the Board and you're dead.

No Board meeting today.

The Headmaster was sacked.

- Father, what happened? - Someone spread rumours.

We didn't snitch to anyone.

Father Pedagogue, what about Prayer?

We're waiting for Father Headmaster.

Didn't he leave?

Hey, Father!

God bless!

Starting today,

I will be Headmaster of this Seminary.

I am sure this makes you happy.

First, a few changes.

Study class is reinstated.

No more going out without leave.

Now, Prayer.

I said Prayer!

In the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in heaven,

Hallowed be Thy Name;

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done...

Dorneanu, where have you been? Come in!

Don't make me call you again!

- Tell me about Poorman's Bank. - What bank?

Don't play stupid.

Loan sharks in my Seminary?

Speak, Dorneanu.

To admit is to be half-forgiven.

Who will forgive the other half, Father?

- What are you doing? - Stay put!

What's this?

Why do you need a lighter?

- For candles. - Candles with a filter?

- I don't smoke. - Shameless liar.

What do you light with this? Don't say candles.

- Votive lights. - Really?

Where did you last see a votive light?

- Yesterday, in class. - Oh?

Tudor, we've been out of votive lights since...?

Since summer.

What do you light with this?

The stove.

You?

Since when?

When it's cold and the gate guard can't come, I light it.

Show me.

Go ahead.

Move!

Absences will only be excused by the school physician.

- But he never does! - Not unless you're truly ill.

Since Christmas fasting is coming,

your confessor has to be from our school.

- That's not fair! - Not fair?

- They'll tell the Board! - Are you that sinful?

- That's my business, Father. - Is it?

Sins are the same, regardless of the confessor.

- Then I won't confess. - Really?

- 5 days suspension. - Says who?

Says me.

Tudor, make a list.

I'll see who doesn't confess.

Dorneanu, shall I get you a votive light?

You know what, Father?

We'll talk when you have something on me.

Otherwise - innocent until proven guilty.

Will you listen to that?

Until proven guilty?

Tudor, the list.

Yes, Father.

Hey, dickhead. Come here.

- We're going to the lion's den. - He won't snitch to Ivan.

- Wanna bet? - I do.

Who else do we have?

- He gives tough penance. - Fuck penance!

Fuck you.

Gabi!

Got a better idea?

You'll lie anyway.

- Then what's the point of confession? - You moron.

Screw you!

Cut it out!

He's the Archimandrite, he won't snitch.

Come on, Gabi.

We have to stick together.

He won't snitch to Ivan, trust me.

After confession...

What's on your mind?

What?

You have committed onanism?

It is a grave sin, boy.

How could you? Never do it again.

How long ago have you fallen into this sin?

Never do it again.

What other sins burden you?

What?

Louder!

God bless, Father.

Gabriel, remember, you're not confessing to me,

but to Christ. There's three of us here.

If you lie, you lie to Christ.

- I won't lie, Father. - Sure, sure.

I won't lie in confession.

I've allowed you to pick any other confessor.

Same thing.

What sins do you want to confess?

Well...

I skip school...

I cheat on tests, I haven't fasted.

Do you drink or smoke?

- Yes. - What else?

- I have problems with my girlfriend. - Your friends?

No, my girlfriend.

My partner.

You've sinned in thought or deed?

Both.

That's very serious for a Seminary student.

You can only be ordained a priest if you are still a virgin.

Well, that's that.

What other sins burden you?

- That's about it. - Only? There's nothing else?

- No. - How about moneylending?

If that's a sin, it doesn't burden me.

Really? Tell me who is involved.

- Half the school, Father. - Was it Aid's idea?

Mine and other students'.

But you can't tell the Board.

Is that so?

You'd be breaking the priest-penitent privilege.

You'd show you have no fear of Christ.

You sold letters from girls to the students.

Just a few.

- We donated the rest. - You call that donating?

Some less fortunate students don't get a chance to talk to girls.

It was a good deed.

Was it?

You can't tell that to the Board either.

Confession is worthless without repentance.

Yes, Father.

Read the Akathist to the Virgin Mary daily, all year.

Attend every evening and morning service.

And you cannot commune for a year.

Now go.

Go.

- Father. - God bless.

Is this from the school physician?

Why so surprised, Father?

Surprised, me?

Where's Gabriel? He's been missing a lot.

I don't know, outside.

Why do you need it?

For the Pedagogue's record book.

God bless, Father.

I see you've been quite ill.

How are you now?

Better, thank you.

I can still smell the alcohol.

The handwriting and signature look good,

but the print and the stamp are fading.

So it's been used 3 or 4 times.

It's from our physician.

I need to show it to the Pedagogue.

My parents started going to church after meeting you.

So?

Now they're in church and you're here.

Yes.

I don't want to be a priest's wife.

No one's asking you to be one.

I thought you would, after graduation.

That's a long way off.

Why keep this up, if we have no future?

What, you want to break up?

It's been fun, right?

You're heading for something I could never do.

Really?

You're dumping me?

- Any idea how many girls want me? - Then fuck off and go to them.

Dorneanu, get a haircut!

- I'll get one after the holidays. - No, now.

Keep your eyes open!

I want you to be faultless.

I don't want to hear: "Ew, long-haired priests!"

Speaking of the holidays,

starting this year you will practice in a village church.

It's a time for rest!

You can rest in the afterlife, wise guy!

This one's for practice.

No practice means

no going abroad with the choir.

Prayer!

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Are you the future priest?

- Welcome. - Hello, Father.

Mrs. Maria has prepared your bed and deacon's cassock.

We'll show them a wonderful church service tomorrow!

Aren't you cold?

- You shouldn't have! - Please, Father.

- Come in for a drink! - I'm sorry, I have to run.

Here's some bread, sugar, oil...

Thank you! Come inside.

Thank you for your donation!

Go to service, listen to the Father.

You won't need much money here.

- Thanks. - Be strong!

Bye.

Holy is our God!

Holy God,

Holy Mighy One,

Holy Immortal One,

have mercy on us.

You can keep smoking.

- I wasn't smoking. - I did too, at your age.

Father?

Why are you keeping the parish for me?

I've known your dad since he was a child.

When I came to this village, I was about your age.

My wife is buried behind the church.

My son lives in the city - that was his choice.

I was content with what I had here.

They say a Bishop once visited a village like ours.

He stopped by the priest's house and asked him:

"How is life here, Father?"

"Very hard, Your Grace," the priest said.

"The parishioners are few and poor."

Then the Bishop gave the priest a prayer book and said:

"Do not despair; this will answer all your questions."

And he left.

The Bishop returned after a while.

He asked the priest:

"Have you looked in my prayer book?"

"Yes, Your Grace." "And how is life?"

"Somehow, worse. The people are fewer and poorer."

"I buried an old woman just last week."

The Bishop asked him:

"So you found no answers in my prayer book?"

"Indeed."

"Go bring the book."

Then he opened the book in front of the priest.

Between the pages there were

hundreds of dollars.

"Father, since you lacked the faith to even open this book,"

"I'm taking it back; manage as best you can."

If you don't want to become a priest,

it's no big tragedy.

But if you do, decide what kind of priest you want to be.

Let's go.

Gabriel.

Where is God?

Where do we find Him?

That's more like a phone booth.

Well...

He's everywhere around us.

Really?

Then he must be very discreet.

I don't know.

Yes you do.

Look for Him in here.

...and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim,

thou who without stain did bear God the word,

true Birth-giver of God, we magnify thee.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,

now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Amen.

I knew our choir was excellent,

but I didn't know it was this good!

Congratulations!

The Board has decided -

Come here, Father!

Please read the decision.

The following students have been expelled:

Sorin Eftime, Radu Mihuţ and Dorneanu Ştefan.

Excuse me?

"Until proven guilty", right?

Why me of all people, Father?

Am I the only one with a dirty record?

- No. - Why, then?

Father.

If I had known, my father could have made

some small gift...

That won't work with me.

I'll get you readmitted.

In the meeting today.

Just state that you bribed Moraru.

I don't believe you.

Do I have your word of honour?

You have my word of honour.

Lord, have mercy on us.

Testing, one, two.

- God bless. - Mr. Moraru, welcome!

I was just checking the new sound system.

We've had trouble with the acoustics.

God bless.

- Such a shiny watch! - A souvenir.

Nice souvenir!

- What's on the agenda? - Interrogations and expulsions.

- I've heard some things. - Such as?

- You'll see. - You'll get no statement.

Oh, but I will.

We both know if one cracks, the rest follow like dominoes.

Wait.

Hey, Ionel.

Are you using them to get me?

The other way around.

Don't cry, mate.

Look at me. Come here.

Gabi.

Take care.

- I'm closing the gate. - Piss off!

Gabi?

Wake up.

- What? - Wake up.

- What time is it? - 5 a.m.

Why are you dressed?

I'm off to Germany. I got a medical exemption.

If anyone asks, I'm sick at home.

Aid, wait a minute!

Where are you going?

To Germany, to get some hard currency for a guy.

I'll get a fat share.

Right after Dorneanu got kicked out?

- Don't worry. - Aid!

We don't need the money.

Well, I do.

Cover for me for 2 or 3 days.

I promise when I get back we'll be good, go to Prayer...

Cover for me, OK?

Will you?

Why the hell did you let him leave?

He said he needed the money. What was I supposed to do?

When will he be back?

We'll ask the guy from the bar.

The hell you will, Gabi.

Run!

Open the gate!

Gabi,you go that way!

What are you doing here?

Gabriel!

Why so sweaty? Were you having a nightmare?

What's wrong, Father?

"What's wrong"?

You'll see.

Why are you panting, Andrei?

I smell vinegar, are you down with the flu?

- Stop pretending! - What's up, Father?

You're not fooling me.

Everyone, up!

I said up!

Who saw these two coming in a moment ago?

Which are their jackets?

I saw this door open. Who opened it?

Who?

Not telling?

Has it come to this?

We used to be the most united. Now you're covering up for them?

Father, could you close the door? It's drafty.

You want me to close it on the outside?

Some nerve you have, Mariş!

Your parents' bribes won't work anymore!

Whose bed is this?

Aid's, Father.

Where is student Aid?

He's ill. He got a medical exemption.

Just you wait, Andrei.

Back to sleep!

We got away easy, Gabi!

Father, you wanted to see me?

Where did you say Aid was?

At home, he's ill.

Is he?

Someone here begs to differ.

Where is my boy?

- I thought he was home. - I went there.

150 km from here?

What's distance when you worry about your students?

When did you last see him?

- Can't remember. - You eat and skip class together.

You go to the toilet together. Spare me that.

Maybe he's in hospital.

He'll prove it with a medical exemption.

We both know that's not true.

I can't make you tell the truth.

If Aid is expelled, it will be your fault.

- Why? - Because you won't say where he is.

Madam, I told you he wouldn't say.

I'll be outside.

That might jog your memory.

Please. I know you want to cover for him.

- Please tell me where he is. - I don't know.

I'm begging you, trust Father Ivan! Only he can help him!

If the Board expels him, his future will be ruined!

- Father Ivan won't help him. - Please, help him!

I thought you were Aid's friend.

I am!

That's why I can't tell you.

Please, help him.

See if I ever help the Bishop again!

Come, Aid!

Granpa, it will be fine.

You dare to speak?

I can't believe this!

Aid!

I didn't tell anything.

I'm closing the gate.

No-meat cabbage rolls, no-egg cake, apples.

- Need anything else? - No.

Any laundry?

Where are your uniform trousers?

- Upstairs. - You shameless git!

- What has he done? - Go see his record.

I sympathise with the teacher.

- Who? - Father Ivan's been covering up for you.

I can't believe the nerve on you!

What's with the absences? The poor grades?

Is this what a future priest should look like?

Tudor would never dress like this!

So adopt Tudor.

Get yourself together. You'll be a priest soon.

- Maybe I don't want to be a priest. - Say what?

All the trouble, the shitload of money!

You chose this path!

I did?!

Listen.

If you get thrown out of the Seminary,

don't bother coming back home.

Where's your dad?

Still with Ivan.

My conduct record is a mess.

At least you're not expelled.

I know, Gabi, but...

You don't know my father.

Together we'll bring Ivan down.

Stop hitting him!

- Leave him alone! - Piss off!

- Don't! - You punk!

- Father! - Can't you knock?

Come quick, Andrei got badly beaten by his dad.

I'll talk to his father.

He's covered in blood!

Andrei had it coming.

You're saying that because he's my friend!

"Statement:"

"I, Andrei Cazacu, state that Mariş got firecrackers..."

More recently, "Aid Akil has gone to Germany."

Here.

"Dorneanu got drunk..." No news there.

Olah, Olah...

And another one...

Look how many there are.

All of them signed "Andrei Cazacu".

- This can't be. - Because he's your friend?

Andrei wasn't spoiled like you lot.

But...

Tudor...

It wasn't Tudor.

Where do you think you're going?

You do as I say, or you're out.

I can always get a transfer.

Highschool exams, possibly no highschool diploma...

While here there's a lot to win.

Come here, Gabriel.

I could have expelled you so many times. Why didn't I?

Because I believe in you.

After graduation, I can ask the Bishop to give you a good parish.

- If I snitch? - Not on your friends. On others.

On Andrei's father being an animal, on Muraru betraying you...

You didn't know?

You thought he was covering up for you?

I'm not writing anything!

Why do you think so ill of me?

You blackmail us, Father.

Don't believe in me. But if you believe in God,

you'll see I'm only protecting the Church.

Laugh, but the Church has many enemies.

Inside and out.

How can we protect it without information?

Is that why you expelled Aid?

Aid again?

Aid has his own business.

We have our own Church.

Sectarians and spies of other faiths threaten it.

Aid wasn't a sectarian nor a spy.

Imagine our Church 20 years from now.

Led by your petty-dealing, drunkard, goon friends.

Would you still fear God?

I'm listening.

- Not much is happening. - Now you're all saints?

- It's hard to find out early. - Are you wasting my time?

Some guys in fourth year...

They correspond with girls.

- There were letters. - What letters?

Letters with detailed descriptions of...

of having sex.

The guys boast about them.

Father?

Keep watch.

- Father... - I said keep watch!

"When I come,"

"I like to..."

You can read the rest yourselves.

Sadly, these boys have succumbed to lust.

They even boast of it to their colleagues.

- Their attendance is good. - I still say we expel them.

- We can't expel them for letters. - Yes we can.

- To show we know everything. - Is it legal?

Tudor, shut up.

This is an immorality epidemic. Confessors know what I mean.

There is so much sin.

They steal like they breathe!

Money, cameras, clothing, food!

They even stole Tudor's Bible!

Not at the train station - here, in the Seminary!

This is a perfect illustration of our degradation.

- What do the letters have to - - We're too soft!

They no longer fear us!

We have to throw out the rotten apples.

Let's vote.

Father Pedagogue?

I won't vote for expulsion.

Raise your hand, Florin!

Father Pedagogue?

Florin, sit down, what's wrong?

Florin!

Right. Your vote?

Mr. Muraru!

Thank you. The students are expelled.

God bless, boys!

- Father Ivan? - In person!

How may I help you?

I am the attorney of the expelled students.

- I'm sorry? - The parents are suing

for abusive expulsion.

- Abusive?. - Secrecy of correspondence.

Art. 195 of the Criminal Code.

Any proof? Witnesses?

We have the letters.

The witnesses are the Board members.

- Hasn't this been lit? - No.

It's been warm.

Tudor and Mariş. Everyone else, out.

Out!

Stop staring! Get out!

Out!

Nice.

Pointless, but nice.

It was your own doing, Father.

What was your goal? Other than expulsion?

- What for? - What for?

Alcoholic coma, for instance.

You thought I didn't know?

As for Gabriel, his file is full.

- Father, give them a break. - Get out!

Shut your mouth and get out!

So?

- Father, you can't threat us anymore. - Out with you!

I said get out! Out!

Are you deaf? Out!

Am I talking to the walls?

Out! Get out!

If you break the rules, you get expelled.

Sue me all you want. The heads of the Seminar set the rules.

We'll see.

Your Grace, I didn't know...

Do continue.

Gabriel Mariş, did you tell Father Ivan about the letters?

Yes.

Tudor Alexandru, were you present when Father Ivan read them?

- Yes. - Lewd letters!

- The trial will decide. - Boys, wait outside.

Let's not forget our goal.

With their shameful scheming, these two boys

have disgraced the Seminary and myself.

- Please expel them. - You have no proof.

These statements show they are unworthy to be priests.

Your own abuse disgraced you. And you persist in it.

Now you're blackmailing us? See, everyone?

Those who still think priesthood isn't gained by blackmail, vote yes!

Right. They are expelled.

Boys, please go.

- They will testify at the trial. - There will be no trial.

- It will be in the press. - We'll take care of that.

Boys, please.

Gabriel!

I have a question for you.

Why have you come to the Seminary?

To become a priest.

I wanted to learn how to help people.

To help them find...

...peace.

That's why I came here.

Thank you. Wait outside.

Out on the court for prayer.

Let's hurry a bit.

You too, Andrei.

Gabriel, put on your tunic.

You too, Tudor.

- But... - You'll be late!

Thou hast permitted me, the unworthy,

to raise from sleep and enter Thy house.

Lord, hear my prayer, and with Thy holy power

allow me to praise Thee with a pure, humble heart,

so that I might ascend to...

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