Tens of Thousands of Russians Plunge Into Icy Waters to Celebrate Epiphany

By Inside Edition Staff

Updated: 8:22 AM PST, January 21, 2019

Video shows the brave faithful being helped in and out of the chilly water in various stages of dress

More than 56,000 Russians took the plunge into icy water for their traditional celebration of Epiphany on Saturday.

Residents of the Russian Far East braved frigid temperatures of winter ponds and rivers in honor of the Russian Orthodox Church's holiday on Jan. 19. The Epiphany commemorates the baptism of Jesus, or the "Kreshenie" in Russian. It is believed that taking a cold dip not only purifies the body but also cures diseases, cleanses the soul and strengthens faith.

Even a minus 40-degree frost didn't stop people from bathing. Video shows the brave faithful being helped in and out of the chilly water in various stages of dress. Special tents next to the icy holes offered people a place to warm up, change clothes and have a cup of hot tea afterward.

Russians also celebrate the holy day by attending church services.

It's Raining Gold: More Than $300M in Gold Falls From Cargo Plane After Door Malfunctions

Russian Army Reveals Its Latest Weapon: Very Cute Puppies

Tens of Thousands of Russians Plunge Into Icy Waters to Celebrate Epiphany

These Russians Are Braving the Cold in Annual Ice Bathing Tradition

4,000-Year-Old Temple Found on Northern Coast of Peru

Will Donald Trump Cut Ireland Trip Short to ‘Confront’ Accuser E. Jean Carroll?

Workers Rescued After California Building Partially Collapses

How Erika Kullberg Went From Attorney to ‘Erika Taught Me’

Prince Louis and Other Kids Who Stole the Show

Upside Down Horse Dug Out of Ravine by LA Fire Fighters

Katy Perry and Lionel Richie Perform at King Charles' Coronation Concert

California Man Dies in Police Shootout After Driving to Utah to Kill His Brother

Women Tubing on Florida River Encounters Massive Alligator on Tree Log

16-Year-Old Gets Hug From Good Samaritan After Serious Car Crash in Arkansas

FULL VIDEO: Police Search Idaho College Murder Suspect Bryan Kohberger’s Washington Apartment

Michael J. Fox Receives Standing Ovation at 'Live With Kelly and Mark' Appearance

The Most Shocking Places Cocaine Was Found, Including a Children's Toy

Does AI Create Music as Well as Human Musicians?

West Virginia Fireman Buys Gag Cake to Apologize After Barfing During Agility Test

LAPD Volunteer Officer Attacked by Angry Bee Swarm on Live TV

Family of Thieves Gets 6 Years in Prison for Stealing $123 Million in Jewelry

California Maintenance Workers Find Woman’s Lost Engagement Ring Flushed by Son

Baby Born Addicted to Drugs Gets Weaned Off With Swaddling

5-Year-Old Boy’s Project Sends Birthday Cards to Every Kid in His Wisconsin Town

Video shows the brave faithful being helped in and out of the chilly water in various stages of dress

Tags:

Tens of Thousands of Russians Plunge Into Icy Waters to Celebrate Epiphany

These Russians Are Braving the Cold in Annual Ice Bathing Tradition

4,000-Year-Old Temple Found on Northern Coast of Peru

Will Donald Trump Cut Ireland Trip Short to ‘Confront’ Accuser E. Jean Carroll?

Workers Rescued After California Building Partially Collapses

How Erika Kullberg Went From Attorney to ‘Erika Taught Me’

Prince Louis and Other Kids Who Stole the Show

Upside Down Horse Dug Out of Ravine by LA Fire Fighters

Katy Perry and Lionel Richie Perform at King Charles' Coronation Concert

California Man Dies in Police Shootout After Driving to Utah to Kill His Brother

Women Tubing on Florida River Encounters Massive Alligator on Tree Log

16-Year-Old Gets Hug From Good Samaritan After Serious Car Crash in Arkansas

FULL VIDEO: Police Search Idaho College Murder Suspect Bryan Kohberger’s Washington Apartment

Michael J. Fox Receives Standing Ovation at 'Live With Kelly and Mark' Appearance

The Most Shocking Places Cocaine Was Found, Including a Children's Toy

Does AI Create Music as Well as Human Musicians?

West Virginia Fireman Buys Gag Cake to Apologize After Barfing During Agility Test

LAPD Volunteer Officer Attacked by Angry Bee Swarm on Live TV

Family of Thieves Gets 6 Years in Prison for Stealing $123 Million in Jewelry

California Maintenance Workers Find Woman’s Lost Engagement Ring Flushed by Son

Baby Born Addicted to Drugs Gets Weaned Off With Swaddling

5-Year-Old Boy’s Project Sends Birthday Cards to Every Kid in His Wisconsin Town

Video shows the brave faithful being helped in and out of the chilly water in various stages of dress

Tags:

Trending on Inside Edition