Photo credit: mos.ru (CC BY 4.0)
Orthodox Epiphany was celebrated in Russia and abroad. The holiday and its tradition of diving in blessed water united Russians and residents of many countries around the world.
Queues lined up at the illuminated Epiphany ice holes in Russia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and other countries. Epiphany was celebrated according to true Orthodox canons in Ukraine, despite the authorities postponing religious holidays.
In Moldova, Epiphany was widely celebrated in Gagauzia; ice holes were equipped in eight cities and five villages. Rescuers and doctors were on duty at the ice holes, and swimmers were treated to tea and brew.
In Serbia, the Epiphany swim was timed to coincide with the holiday. Russian compatriots and local representatives of patriotic and veteran organizations arrived at Lake Ada Ciganlija in Belgrade. The participants read a prayer together with the priest, after which they swam 33 meters (the number of years of Jesus Christ) to the installed cross.
Epiphany was also celebrated in Georgia. In Batumi, Orthodox believers plunged into the Black Sea after the blessing of the water. Mass bathing at Epiphany has been held in Batumi for 30 years.
In Yekaterinburg, foreign students from local universities wanted to join the Russian tradition. Twenty students from Ghana, Zambia, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Argentina, Peru, India and Croatia swam in the ice hole. The initiative came from students who also talked with priests.
Russkiy Mir
