RUSSIA: Orthodox Christians all across Russia jump into icy waters to wash off their sins and to kick start a healthy new year as they celebrate Epiphany

Record ID: 862421

  • Title: RUSSIA: Orthodox Christians all across Russia jump into icy waters to wash off their sins and to kick start a healthy new year as they celebrate Epiphany
  • Date: 19th January 2013
  • Summary: PRIEST HOLDING CROSS
  • Embargoed: 3rd February 2013 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Russian Federation
  • City:
  • Country: Russia
  • Topics: Quirky,Religion,Religion
  • Reuters ID: LVA9XDJUQ6H6DRWPMD6ZOH9AGTAJ
  • Aspect Ratio:
  • Story Text: Thousands of people jumped in frigid waters all across Russia on Saturday (January 19) to mark the Russian Orthodox Epiphany.
    In Moscow, according to Orthodox tradition priests first blessed the water in a hole cut in the frozen Moscow river before believers could take the holy bath.
    The age-old ritual commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River, or the Epiphany, which the Russian Orthodox Church celebrates on 19 January, in the middle of the Russian winter. By bathing on this day, believers symbolically wash off their sins.
    Many, however, also believe the dip in the cold water is good for their health.
    One man, dressed in a white robe and wearing a cross said the water didn't feel cold.

    "In the beginning, you go in and it's cold, but after getting in the water becomes hot immediately. In general the water is hot, not cold," Gennady said after coming up from his plunge in the river's icy water.
    Elena, a Muscovite, said she liked the way she felt after exiting the cold water.

    "Well, it's cold, but then it becomes great, really light in your spirit and warm," Elena said.
    Religion aside, Russians have long believed in the beneficial effects of bathing in freezing water. Many do so throughout the winter, earning them the nickname of "morzhi," or walruses.
    Temperatures in Moscow on Saturday hovered around minus 13 degrees Celsius.
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