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Russians Plunge Into Icy Water to Mark Epiphany

Churches across Russia hold services to mark the Epiphany. Afterwards, believers plunge themselves into icy water. Alexander Avilov / Moskva News Agency
Epiphany rituals in specially cut holes in frozen rivers and lakes takes place across Russia. Alexander Avilov / Moskva News Agency
Those participating in the ritual dip themselves three times to honor the Holy Trinity. Staff monitor the swimmers’ safety. Sergei Konkov / TASS
Russians believe that bathing in the special baptismal ice-holes cleanses the body and strengthens the soul. Alexander Avilov / Moskva News Agency
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin wrote on Twitter that 59 locations had been prepared in Moscow for Russians to immerse themselves in icy waters. Yegor Aleyev / TASS
In Moscow, Epiphany rituals began on Jan.18 at 6 p.m. Each location had changing rooms, toilets, medical care units and hot tea. Vladimir Smirnov / TASS
President Putin visited an Orthodox Monastery in the Tver region and immersed himself in Lake Seliger near the village of Svetlitsa north of Moscow. Kremlin Press Service
Russians drink holy water, the symbol of the Epiphany, during illness and to maintain the spirit. Alexander Avilov / Moskva News Agency

Epiphany, which is celebrated on Jan. 19, is one of the most important holidays in the Russian Orthodox tradition.

The holiday marks the baptism of Christ by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. Believers throughout Russia immerse themselves into holes cut into frozen rivers and lakes that have been blessed by a priest.

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