V. A. Nikiforov-Volgin is one of the brightest writers of the Russian Abroad of the 1920-30s. In his stories, he recreates the traditions and customs of the Russian village, lost during the years of the revolution. One of the main themes of the writer’s work is the changes occurring in the human soul in the extreme conditions of the tragic, turbulent 20th century. In the story “The Walking Staff,” readers are presented with a string of amazing images of Russian people: repentant criminals, destitute priests, beggars and saints who walk along the birthday land merging with Heaven.