Russian Believers Take the Plunge

Russian Orthodox believers nationwide took part in Epiphany celebrations Sunday night, marking the annual religious holiday by submerging themselves into icy, soul-cleansing water.



To Orthodox Christians, the holiday marks Jesus' baptism in the River Jordan. Celebrations begin with religious services, where priests bless the waters in which the ritual will take place.



Devotees across the Orthodox Christian world plunge into natural water sources, including lakes, ponds and rivers, but also into artificial installations when natural water is not available. Moscow dwellers often take part in the ritual in wooden tanks set up in urban areas, including on Ploshchad Revolyutsii.



Bathers often dip themselves three times under water to honor the Holy Trinity, hoping to wash away any sins they may have committed in the past year.



The holy water blessed on this occasion is thought to have healing powers. Some believers collect it and use it throughout the year.



Religious and state authorities identified more than 3,300 locations where the Russian Orthodox population could safely take part in the annual ritual in the Moscow area.



Although Russian authorities reported no major incidents during the Epiphany celebrations, five Muscovites were hospitalized after submerging themselves in freezing holy waters. Another 17 bathers sought medical assistance on sight.




See our previous Photo Gallery:

Two Russian 'Aunties' Life in Rural Russia