Russia to Montenegro: Orthodox Christians observe Epiphany
Climate change is threatening the traditional ice-bathing of Orthodox Christians on Epiphany: In many places in Russia and Eastern Europe, the ice cover is not thick enough. But believers are not letting this stop them.
Crucifixion under a thin layer of ice
Thousands of Orthodox Christians in Russia, Montenegro, Kazakhstan and Ukraine are celebrating the baptism of Jesus on January 19 by immersing themselves in icy waters. However, unusually warm temperatures are forcing many to cancel the rituals. The icy surfaces through which holes are cut for the bath are often too thin to walk on.
Faith, cold and danger
A Russian Orthodox believer dives into the ice-cold water of a lake near St. Petersburg and crosses herself to celebrate the Feast of the Apparition of the Lord. According to believers, immersion in frozen waters strengthens the soul and body. But the extreme cold poses risks: Rescue workers are on standby to intervene in the event of a sudden cold shock.
A tattoo as an expression of the soul
The tattoo of a participant in the Epiphany celebrations in Podgorica, Montenegro, shows Petar II Petrovic-Njegos, who was prince-bishop of Montenegro in the 19th century and is considered one of the region's most important poets.
Epiphany despite the war
Ukrainian soldiers dive into the cold water during the Epiphany celebrations in the capital, Kyiv, as Russia's invasion continues.
Believers recover wooden cross from the Morača
Many believers gather in Podgorica, Montenegro, by the Morača River, where temperatures are pleasant. Orthodox priests bless the believers before they dive into the river to retrieve a wooden cross from the water.
Extreme bathing in Russia
Extreme temperatures and freezing cold prevail in Siberia. This man's face is covered in ice after taking a dip in the water during the Epiphany celebrations in Yakutsk, the capital of the Republic of Sakha in the northeastern part of Siberia.
Alternative rituals and new solutions
A priest consecrates the water of a pond in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The Epiphany ceremonies face the challenge of how to keep the tradition alive in a warming world without ice sheets.