  In this contribution we derive and discuss energy levels of the
strongly-correlated d2 configuration of the V3+ ion (LaVO3) and of d4
configuration of the Mn3+ ion (LaMnO3) in the octahedral surroundings in the
presence of the spin-orbit coupling and the resulting magnetic properties. We
take into account very strong correlations among the d electrons and work with
strongly-correlated atomic-like electronic systems, ground term of which is,
also in a solid, described by two Hund's rules quantum numbers. In a solid we
take into account the influence of crystal-field interactions, predominantly of
the cubic (octahedral) symmetry. We describe both paramagnetic state and the
magnetically-ordered state getting a value of 1.3 uB for the V3+ -ion magnetic
moment in the ordered state at 0 K for LaVO3 (3T1g) and of 3.7 uB for LaMnO3
(5Eg). A remarkably consistent description of both zero-temperature properties
and thermodynamic properties indicates on the high physical adequacy of the
applied atomic approach. We point out the necessity to unquench the orbital
moment in 3d-ion compounds. We claim that the intra-atomic spin-orbit coupling
and strong electron correlations are indispensable for the physically adequate
description of electronic and magnetic properties of LaVO3 and LaMnO3.
