Baptism of Ice for the Epiphany, in Photos While most of us prefer to stay warm in the winter, every year on Jan. 19 brave Russians mark the day with an icy plunge, celebrating the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. Here’s a look at today’s baptism of ice! Jan 19, 2019 - 11:27 am Representing the baptism of Jesus, a cross is dipped into the water. Moskva News Agency Safety and security on standby as men line up to take the plunge. Moskva News Agency While some strip themselves down, others remain dressed. Moskva News Agency A girl is helped out of the freezing water. Moskva News Agency For many Russians, the event has become an annual ritual. Moskva News Agency While many take the plunge, others prefer to stay warm and observe. Moskva News Agency Till today, the ritual maintains its religious significance. Moskva News Agency Fire to fight the ice after a dip in the freezing water! Moskva News Agency More image galleries Back to the USSR: When Russia Took a Wrong Turn This collection of photos from the MT archives captures what everyday life looked like in Russia under Yeltsin and in the early years of Putin. 1 Min read In Photos: 250 Years of the Bolshoi Theatre One of the world’s most celebrated opera and ballet stages has surviving fire, revolution, world wars, the Soviet collapse and the rise of Vladimir Putin... 1 Min read In Photos: Russia's Muslim Community Marks Eid al-Fitr Muslims nationwide began celebrating Eid al-Fitr — the end of the holy month of Ramadan — on Thursday. 1 Min read In Photos: Russia Takes Home 8 Gold Medals at 2026 Winter Paralympics Russia finished third in the medal standings at the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Italy after its athletes won eight gold medals, along with one silver and... 1 Min read
Baptism of Ice for the Epiphany, in Photos While most of us prefer to stay warm in the winter, every year on Jan. 19 brave Russians mark the day with an icy plunge, celebrating the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. Here’s a look at today’s baptism of ice! Jan 19, 2019 - 11:27 am Representing the baptism of Jesus, a cross is dipped into the water. Moskva News Agency Safety and security on standby as men line up to take the plunge. Moskva News Agency While some strip themselves down, others remain dressed. Moskva News Agency A girl is helped out of the freezing water. Moskva News Agency For many Russians, the event has become an annual ritual. Moskva News Agency While many take the plunge, others prefer to stay warm and observe. Moskva News Agency Till today, the ritual maintains its religious significance. Moskva News Agency Fire to fight the ice after a dip in the freezing water! Moskva News Agency
