Russian Orthodox believers bathe in ice water in a pond to mark Epiphany outside Simferopol, Crimea, Tuesday. Water that is blessed by a cleric on Epiphany is considered holy and pure until next year’s celebration, and is believed to have special powers of protection and healing. The Russian Orthodox Church follows the old Julian calendar, according to which Epiphany falls on Jan. 19. (AP/Alexander Polegenko)Thousands of Russians have taken a dip in the icy waters to celebrate Epiphany, a major holiday in Orthodox Christianity marking the birth and baptism of Jesus.Water blessed by a priest on the Epiphany week in …read more
Source: The Jakarta Post
