Epiphany in the Kursk Root Hermitage
In Russia such an ice hole in the form of a cross is called “iordan” (derived from the name of the river Jordan where Christ was baptized)
All water on Earth is thought to be blessed on this day. Photo: 1996. Bathing in a river near the Resurrection Monastery in Novy Ierusalim on Epiphany
The Russian Orthodox Church supports the tradition of believers bathing on Epiphany
2006. Epiphany bathing in Moscow’s Strogino District
Epiphany bathing in Lake Razliv near St. Petersburg in 2006
During the Epiphany bathing, people usually dip their entire bodies into water three times
Medics and rescuers usually monitor Epiphany bathing events. The photo depicts bathing near a nunnery on the Volga River in 2008
Believers cross themselves and say: “In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” The photo depicts Epiphany dips in the Istra River near the Novy Ierusalim monastery in 2009
“Taking a dip in cold blessed waters, people not only make their bodies healthier but also strengthen their spirit,” Moscow ecologists said in a statement
Despite 40-degree below Celsius, several thousand Kemerovo Region residents intend to take dips on Epiphany
Bathing in an ice hole near the Archangel Michael Church in Novosibirsk in 2008
Epiphany celebrations in the Rostov Region on the bank of the Don River
Epiphany bathing at the Ostankino pond in Moscow
Some 30,000 people took an icy dip in Moscow although temperatures plunged below minus 20 Celsius. Photo: Epiphany bathing in Kuskovo, eastern Moscow
Epiphany bathing in the village of Ostashkovo near Moscow
Epiphany bathing in Kuskovo, eastern Moscow
Epiphany bathing in the village of Ostashkovo near Moscow
Epiphany bathing at the Church of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin upon the Nerl River near the city of Vladimir
Epiphany bathing at the Church of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin upon the Nerl River near the city of Vladimir
