Russians mark Theophany by bathing in icy waters

Across Russia Orthodox Christians are marking the feast of Theophany (Baptism of the Lord) with the traditional bathing in the ice-cold waters of lakes and rivers.

A Theophany service. Image by fusion-of-horizons / CC BY 2.0

The blessing of the water takes place in churches and the main bathing happens on the night between 18 and 19 January, and after the liturgies throughout 19 January. Read more: tass.ru