Russian Orthodox Christians celebrate Epiphany by jumping into freezing water

 

Sergei Chirikov / EPA

Russian Orthodox Christians lower a young girl into the cold water of the Moskva river as they celebrate the Epiphany holiday in Moscow, Russia on Jan. 18.

Sergei Chirikov / EPA

A Russian Orthodox Christian woman prays while diving into the icy water of the Moskva river, as another woman looks on and collects water believing that it is holy in Moscow, Russia on Jan. 18.

A couple of weeks ago Elena posted photos of Epiphany celebrations around Europe. The Russian Orthodox Church follows the Julian Calendar, so they will be observing the feast tomorrow. According to photographer Sergei Chirikov, who took these pictures today, many Russians mark the holiday by diving into the cold waters of their local river.

Discuss this post

The little girl does not look like she's celebrating anything. And those big brutes wearing tundra suits, they look cold. I'll bet the air temp is actually colder than the water temp, which is just above freezing (32F or 0C). Getting out would be the hard part. Where's the hot cocoa?

    Reply#1 - Tue Jan 18, 2011 12:36 PM EST

    How disgusting. Only religion could make a normally good person do something so terrible to a little girl. Am I the only one that's disgusted by this photo? When are we going to stop torturing innocent children in the name of ancient myths?

    • 1 vote
    Reply#2 - Tue Jan 18, 2011 5:55 PM EST

    I notice the priests aren't enjoying this treat along with the defenseless children. Why can't they wait until the kids are old enough to think for themselves and object to this absurd tradition.

    No religion would survive if they didn't brainwash the children before they can think for themselves.

      Reply#3 - Thu Jan 20, 2011 9:05 PM EST

      Looks like more child abuse by the church....

        Reply#4 - Fri Jan 21, 2011 12:06 PM EST

        This phanatism. good for nothing.

        What they gain out of it. World has

        is running in 21st century and these

        guys are still so orthodox. Very sad.

          Reply#5 - Fri Jan 21, 2011 11:27 PM EST

          Thanks for allowing me in your

          forum to participate as per the

          rules. Any amazing, unusual and

          worth watching/reading items be

          conveyed to me through mail.

          So nice. Bye Bye.

          R. M. Dixit

            Reply#6 - Fri Jan 21, 2011 11:37 PM EST

            i don't see them wearing shorts......i can not beleive it. i am speechless.

              Reply#7 - Sun Jan 23, 2011 10:54 AM EST
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