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The Eve of Epiphany

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Epiphany, also known as Theophany, is celebrated in Russia on January 19. On this day, believers dive into holes cut in ice over rivers and lakes. The bathing sites are blessed by Orthodox priests.

Epiphany, also known as Theophany, is celebrated in Russia on January 19. On this day, believers dive into holes cut in ice over rivers and lakes. The bathing sites are blessed by Orthodox priests.

© RIA Novosti . Ilia Pitalev / Go to the mediabankEpiphany, also known as Theophany, is celebrated in Russia on January 19. On this day, believers dive into holes cut in ice over rivers and lakes. The bathing sites are blessed by Orthodox priests.
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Epiphany, also known as Theophany, is celebrated in Russia on January 19. On this day, believers dive into holes cut in ice over rivers and lakes. The bathing sites are blessed by Orthodox priests.
© RIA Novosti . Sergey Pyatakov / Go to the mediabankOn Friday, on the eve of Epiphany, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia conducted the rite of the Great Blessing of Water at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow.
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On Friday, on the eve of Epiphany, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia conducted the rite of the Great Blessing of Water at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow.
© RIA Novosti . Sergey Pyatakov / Go to the mediabankThe consecration font holds several tons of water. After the consecration, the first hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church and other priests sprinkled the assembled people with holy water.
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The consecration font holds several tons of water. After the consecration, the first hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church and other priests sprinkled the assembled people with holy water.
© RIA Novosti . Evgeniy Epanchincev / Go to the mediabankMany people come to churches on this day with empty bottles to collect holy Epiphany water to last an entire year.
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Many people come to churches on this day with empty bottles to collect holy Epiphany water to last an entire year.
© RIA Novosti . Alexey Nichukin / Go to the mediabankLong lines of believers, looking to collect holy Epiphany water that stays fresh during an entire year, form in front of churches.
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Long lines of believers, looking to collect holy Epiphany water that stays fresh during an entire year, form in front of churches.
© RIA Novosti . Alexey Nichukin / Go to the mediabankPeople are meant to drink a small quantity of the holy water in the morning on an empty stomach. Also, the water is used to consecrate homes and offices.
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People are meant to drink a small quantity of the holy water in the morning on an empty stomach. Also, the water is used to consecrate homes and offices.
© RIA Novosti . Alexey Nichukin / Go to the mediabankAfter the service many priests bless nearby springs and bodies of water: lakes, rivers, and ponds.
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After the service many priests bless nearby springs and bodies of water: lakes, rivers, and ponds.
© RIA Novosti . Maxim Bogodvid / Go to the mediabankThe Emergencies Ministry estimates that 800,000 Russians will take part in the Epiphany bathing ceremony this year.
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The Emergencies Ministry estimates that 800,000 Russians will take part in the Epiphany bathing ceremony this year.
© RIA Novosti . Maxim Bogodvid / Go to the mediabankLast year, people bathed in 2,600 ice holes in Russia. This year a similar number of sites is expected to open.
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Last year, people bathed in 2,600 ice holes in Russia. This year a similar number of sites is expected to open.
© RIA Novosti . Vitaliy Ankov / Go to the mediabankRescuers and ambulance workers will be on duty at all of these locations.
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Rescuers and ambulance workers will be on duty at all of these locations.
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