Chilling Devotion: Orthodox Christians Brave Extreme Cold for Epiphany Celebrations
Despite bone-chilling temperatures plunging to as low as -41C in parts of Russia and eastern Europe, Orthodox Christians participated in the annual Epiphany celebrations, immersing themselves in frozen lakes and rivers.
The traditional ceremony, marking the feast day of Epiphany, saw bikini-clad women and topless men undertaking the icy ritual in dedication to their faith.
Frozen Waters, Fiery Faith: Epiphany Celebrations Across Europe
The Epiphany, commemorating the Baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan, was celebrated by Orthodox Christians in Russia, Kyrgystan, Belarus, Serbia, and Ukraine.
In a display of unwavering faith, individuals were witnessed slowly entering frozen waters, contorting their faces in shock before fully submerging themselves.
In some regions, authorities cut holes into ice-covered lakes and rivers, constructing wooden steps for easier access into the freezing waters, though these steps quickly became covered with ice.
Braving the Cold: Epiphany Observances in Different Regions
In Moscow, worshippers lined up to immerse themselves in the icy waters of the Khimki reservoir, enduring -6C temperatures.
Similarly, in Kyrgyzstan, individuals of all ages, including children, embraced the freezing waters as part of their Epiphany celebrations.
Even in the embattled Ukrainian city of Mariupol, under Russian control, men were seen plunging into a freezing river surrounded by large shards of ice.
Putin’s Polar Plunge and Speculations on Health
Traditionally embraced by politicians, this year, the Kremlin claimed that President Vladimir Putin, 71, participated in the Epiphany celebrations by immersing himself in subzero waters.
However, no specific details or photos were provided, fueling speculations about Putin’s health. Some observers note that his absence from public displays of the annual ritual since 2021 may indicate a decline in his health.
Diverse Epiphany Traditions: Cold Plunge Pools and Religious Significance
Across various regions of Russia, diverse Epiphany traditions unfolded. In Yakutia, with an air temperature of -41C, officials, including Putin ally Aisen Nikolaev, led the way in ice holes.
In Kemerovo, Novosibirsk, and Sverdlovsk, thousands engaged in cold plunge pools despite temperatures as low as -25C and -15C, respectively.
Local churches emphasized that the ritual, while a folk custom dating back to the tsarist era, is not essential for religious reasons.
Security Concerns: Epiphany Cancellations in Belgorod Amid Drone Threats
In a unique development, the Russian city of Belgorod canceled its traditional Epiphany festivities due to the threat of Ukrainian drone strikes.
This marked the first time major public events were known to be called off in Russia due to drone concerns.
Epiphany Celebrations Beyond Eastern Christianity
While the feast of Epiphany is celebrated in some Western Christian churches as Three Kings Day, the Russian Orthodox Church observes it according to the Julian calendar.
The Epiphany, typically marked on January 6 in some countries, aligns with January 19 in the Orthodox tradition, commemorating the day Jesus was baptized.
Orthodox Christians engage in water immersions outside to observe this religious occasion and celebrate the baptismal significance of the day.