
Russia: See Vladivostok faithful take frozen leap for Epiphany
Hundreds of Orthodox worshippers jumped into ice-cold water in Vladivostok, Sunday as part of a traditional Epiphany ritual to celebrate the Feast of Epiphany, a day that marks the baptism of Jesus in the Orthodox Church.
Participants dived into the cross-shaped pool, many dunking and crossing themselves three times. Swimmers' ages ranged from around 14 to over 70, with one bather commenting that the experience made him feel "euphoric."
Believers across Russia traditionally bathe in ice-cold rivers and ponds over the night of January 18-19, braving the freezing winter temperatures to celebrate Epiphany.

Hundreds of Orthodox worshippers jumped into ice-cold water in Vladivostok, Sunday as part of a traditional Epiphany ritual to celebrate the Feast of Epiphany, a day that marks the baptism of Jesus in the Orthodox Church.
Participants dived into the cross-shaped pool, many dunking and crossing themselves three times. Swimmers' ages ranged from around 14 to over 70, with one bather commenting that the experience made him feel "euphoric."
Believers across Russia traditionally bathe in ice-cold rivers and ponds over the night of January 18-19, braving the freezing winter temperatures to celebrate Epiphany.