25 Best Photos From Russian Epiphany 2013

Over the weekend, all the over country, Russians washed away their sins in blessed, ice-cold water.

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Via Wikipedia: Russians cut holes in the ice of lakes and rivers, often in the shape of the cross… Participants in the ritual may dip themselves three times under the water, honoring the Holy Trinity, to symbolically wash away their sins from the past year, and to experience a sense of spiritual rebirth. Orthodox priests are on hand to bless the water, and rescuers are on hand to monitor the safety of the swimmers in the ice-cold water.

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Before…

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Epiphany…

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Before…

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Epiphany?

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Three Russian bears…

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His pal is pulling him back under.

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Many men — and a few women — do it nude.

See many more photos at English Russia.