Once the housekeeper of one famous church, whose name was Theophilus, was famous in the district for its wealth, high position and kindness. But life treated him cruelly, he lost everything and fell out of favor with the cardinal. And one day, Theophilus, sitting at home, bitterly recalled how jealously he had prayed before for his patron cardinal, who was so unfair to him. The house-keeper was a proud man and decided to take revenge on the offender at all costs. It was impossible to do this on his own, and after hesitating, Theophilus decided to go to the powerful wizard Saladin, who knew how to conjure the devil. Saladin met Theophilus with open arms. Upon learning of the misfortunes that befell a friend, the wizard promised to help and ordered him to come the next day. On the way home, the pious Theophilus was afraid that he would suffer eternal torment as a punishment for a deal with the enemy of the human race, but, remembering his troubles, he nevertheless decided to meet with the unclean. Saladin, with terrible spells, summoned the devil and persuaded him to help Theophilus. The next day, the housekeeper came to Saladin even ahead of time, and he sent him to the devil, strictly punishing him not to utter Christian prayers along the way. Presenting himself to the unclean, Theophilos complained about his fate, and the adversary replied that he was ready to return to him both honor and wealth, if for this Theophilos would give his soul and become his servant. Theophilus agreed and wrote a receipt, which the devil kept at his place, ordering the economist to be cruel to people and forget all mercy. And the cardinal, ashamed of his injustice towards Theophilus, decided to reinstate him and sent his servant Zadir to find the exiled housekeeper. Cursing Zadir in the last words, Theophilus decided, however, to go to the cardinal.

And Theophilus sees the cardinal's complete repentance, but speaks evil and rudely with his master, although he agrees to take back the position and money, Theophilus goes outside and sees his friends Peter and Thomas. He also treats them cool and, cursing and insulting them, goes his own way. But he is tormented by remorse. After much torment, repentance comes. Grieving, Theophilos tidied up the chapel of the Blessed Virgin. Falling to his knees, he began to earnestly pray for the salvation of his soul, flowing with tears. Taking pity on the unhappy housekeeper, Madonna appeared before his eyes and promised to take the damned receipt from the devil. Then the Most Holy went to the enemy of the human race and, under the threat of reprisal, took the paper from him. Presenting herself again to Theophilus, Madonna ordered him to give this receipt to the Cardinal so that he would read it to all the parishioners in church, so that they knew how easy it was to die for the soul. Theophilus came to the cardinal and, telling how it was, handed him the vile contract. Vladyka, rejoicing at the salvation of the servant, called the believers to the temple and read them a paper, which contained the boast of the unclean, fastened by the blood of Theophilus. Hearing of such a miracle, all those present in the temple stood up and unanimously exclaimed: “We praise you, God!” So the crafty demon was tempted, tempting the souls of people with light wealth and glory.