Why do we dive: Epiphany bathing - a church rite or a folk tradition? How to swim in the hole for baptism

The Orthodox Church on January 19 (according to the new style) celebrates Epiphany or Epiphany. This is the most ancient holiday among Christians, and its establishment goes back to the time of the disciples-apostles of Christ. It also has ancient names: “Epiphany” - a phenomenon, “Theophany” - Epiphany, “Holy Lights”, “Feast of Lights” or simply “Lights”, since it was the Lord Himself who came into the world on this day to show him the Light Unapproachable.

Holiday Epiphany

The word "I baptize" or "I baptize" from the Greek language is translated as "I immerse in water." It is almost impossible to understand the importance and the very meaning of what Epiphany bathing is without having an idea of ​​what symbolic meaning water has in the Old Testament.

Water is the beginning of life. It was she who fertilized all living beings that originated from her. Where there is no water, there is a lifeless desert. And water is capable of destroying, as in the time of the Great Flood, when God flooded the sinful life of people and thereby destroyed the evil that they did.

God made the water holy with his Baptism, and now the Blessing of the Water is traditionally celebrated in memory of this event. At this time, water is consecrated in all Orthodox churches, and then in rivers and reservoirs.

Jordan

On this day, a folk procession called the "Procession to the Jordan" is traditionally carried out in order to bless the water and then arrange Epiphany bathing in the hole.

The baptism of John meant that just as a body washed with water is cleansed, so a penitent soul that believes in God will be cleansed from sins by the Savior.

The Bible story tells how Jesus from Nazareth came in those days, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. When Jesus came out of the water, the heavens opened, and the Spirit, like a dove, descended on him. And a voice was heard from heaven: "You are my beloved son, in whom is my blessing."

Epiphany revealed to people the Great Mystery of the Holy Trinity, to which every person who is baptized joins. Then Christ told his apostles to go and teach this to all nations.

Epiphany bathing. Traditions

The tradition of blessing water among our ancestors appeared from those ancient times, when in 988 Kiev Prince Vladimir baptized Rus'. Now only a priest can perform the rite of the Blessing of Water, since at this time special prayers are read with a triple immersion in the water of the cross. This is done on the feast of Epiphany after the liturgy. But first, before this, a hole is made in the reservoir, usually in the form of a cross, called "Jordan".

These days, Epiphany water is a real shrine that can heal and strengthen the mental and physical strength of a person. Therefore, such a solemn procession of consecration is performed near the hole in the reservoir in order to make bathing at Epiphany available to people. Orthodox people draw water from the hole and wash themselves, but the most daring and courageous people literally dive into it.

ancestral traditions

The Russians borrowed the tradition of swimming in the hole from the ancient Scythians, who tempered their babies in this way. They simply dipped them in cold water and thus accustomed them to harsh climate conditions.

In addition, the tradition of swimming in the hole was also in pagan rituals, this is how initiation into warriors took place. And still in Rus' they like to rub themselves with snow after a bath or jump into cold water.

Some pagan rites have taken root in our lives to this day. Therefore, we bathe in the hole and celebrate Maslenitsa, which is tied to the beginning of Lent.

Epiphany holiday

According to church rules, on Epiphany Christmas Eve a “great consecration of water” takes place. Believers come to church services, put candles and collect blessed water. However, it is not required to plunge into the hole, it happens at the person's own will.

In general, in Rus' it was believed that bathing in an ice hole at Baptism promotes healing from many ailments. Water, as a living matter, is able to change its structure under the influence of information, so everything depends on the thoughts in a person’s head. Epiphany bathing turns into whole folk festivals; photographs of this celebration always show how fun and interesting they are.

Bathing at Epiphany. How to

But this fun and harmless, at first glance, activity can lead to a number of unpleasant moments. Epiphany bathing does not particularly imply special preparation. The human body is adapted to the cold, and therefore only the mood is important here.

What can happen to the human body when immersed in an ice hole?

1. When a person is immersed in cold water with his head, he has a sharp excitation of the central nervous system and the cerebral cortex, which generally has a positive effect on the entire body.

2. Exposure to low temperatures is briefly perceived by the body as stress, which can relieve inflammation, swelling and spasms.

3. The thermal conductivity of air enveloping the body is 28 times less than the thermal conductivity of water. This is the hardening effect.

4. Cold water causes the body to release additional forces, and after contact with it, the temperature of the human body rises to 40 degrees Celsius. And as you know, at such a mark, microbes, diseased cells and viruses die.

Bathing rules

Bathing in Epiphany frosts implies the fulfillment of certain rules. The main thing at the same time is that the ice hole is specially equipped and all this action takes place under the supervision of rescuers. The population is usually informed about such mass bathing places.

Swimming in an ice-hole requires the presence of swimming trunks or a swimsuit, a terry dressing gown and towels, as well as a set of dry clothes, slippers or woolen socks, a rubber cap and hot tea.

Before arranging a bath in Baptism, it is very important to know how to do it correctly. First you need to warm up a little with exercises, and even better, do a jog. It is necessary to approach the hole in non-slip, comfortable, easily removable shoes or socks. It is also necessary to check the stability of the ladder, and to secure it, throw a rope firmly fixed on the shore into the water.

It is necessary to plunge into the hole up to the neck and it is better not to wet the head so that there is no narrowing of the vessels of the brain. Jumping into an ice hole with your head is also undesirable, as a loss of temperature can cause shock. Cold water will immediately cause rapid breathing, and this is completely normal, as the body adapts to the cold. It is dangerous to be in water for more than one minute, the body may cool down. You also need to be very careful with children who, if frightened, may forget that they can swim.

You also need to be able to get out of the hole so as not to fall, and for this you need to hold on tightly to the handrails, and at the same time use a dry rag. After bathing, you need to thoroughly rub yourself with a towel and put on dry clothes. After bathing, it is best to drink hot tea from herbs or berries, prepared in advance in a thermos.

On this day, it is strictly forbidden to drink alcohol, as it negatively affects the natural thermoregulation of the whole organism, and therefore the consequences may be different. It is also important to know that it is also unacceptable to swim on an empty stomach or, conversely, a clogged stomach.

Bathing contraindications

No matter how useful Epiphany bathing is, there are still contraindications for this. And they relate to acute and chronic diseases. This is a violation of the cardiovascular system (heart defects, hypertension, heart attacks), central nervous system (cranial injury, epilepsy), endocrine system (thyrotoxicosis, diabetes mellitus), visual organs (conjunctivitis, glaucoma), respiratory organs (asthma, pneumonia , tuberculosis), genitourinary system (cystitis, inflammation of the appendages or prostate gland), gastrointestinal tract (ulcer, cholecystitis, hepatitis), skin and venereal diseases; inflammation of the nasopharynx and otitis, etc.

Opinion of physicians

Medical experts in this field believe that swimming in the hole at Epiphany does not bring any unexpected troubles, you need to be absolutely healthy. And this is especially dangerous for those who smoke or drink alcohol, as blood flow to the lungs can cause inflammation or even swelling of the bronchi and pneumonia. In young people, not to mention the elderly, the arteries are not always able to properly respond to cold water, and at this point, respiratory arrest may occur, and then the heart.

If you engage in systemic winter swimming, then this will certainly contribute to the improvement of the body, but when this happens infrequently, then everything will become a strong stress for him, so you need to seriously weigh the pros and cons before swimming.

Conclusion

Many people on Epiphany heroically decide to swim in the hole, although this idea may not be safe. However, the people's Epiphany bathing is already very nice, the photos from these holidays are quite expressive, someone is just getting ready to go into the water, someone is already happy that he took a swim, and someone is already warming up and drinking hot tea.

Many believers believe that swimming in the hole at Baptism for a true Orthodox person is a great blessing. And that's the way it is. Only here the main thing is to understand whether this faith is strong and deep enough for you to become a real shield from all troubles at the moment when Epiphany bathing takes place.

The Baptism of the Lord is a Christian holiday that appeared due to the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. According to the Gospel, the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus at that moment, and the voice of heaven proclaimed: "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

In connection with the holiday, a folk tradition appeared in Russia to plunge into the hole. Some Orthodox churches celebrate the baptism of Jesus according to the Julian calendar - January 19, the other according to the New Julian calendar - January 6.

essence

People who believe in God take a dip in the hole or in other open sources. There is a belief that water during the period of Baptism has healing properties, and is also able to strengthen the spiritual and physical condition.

People are not afraid to freeze and get sick because the water in the hole is a symbolic cleansing from all sins. After washing, the soul is reborn, and thoughts become purer than water itself.

Traditions

Before Epiphany Day, it is customary to observe a strict fast. Also on the eve of the holiday, many believers prepare a festive table, which includes: Lenten kutya, pancakes and jelly.

Swimming in the ice hole takes place from January 18 to 19, most people plunge at night or early in the morning, when there are few people and the ice hole is not polluted. The main tradition before ablution is the consecration of the bathing place. For this, a priest specially comes to cleanse the place by immersing the cross three times and reading the appropriate prayers.

On a holiday, you need to visit a church to light a candle and ask for forgiveness of daily sins. At the ice-hole itself, it is customary to perform ablution - some are completely immersed, others wash their faces and hands.

The water in the bathing places visited by the priest is considered holy. Therefore, people often come to bathe with bottles and take some healing water home.

Rules

It is necessary to dive with your head, and the set number of times is three. While bathing, it is advisable to be baptized and do not forget to say a prayer: "In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit."

Diving in a bathing suit is prohibited, diving is allowed only in a nightgown. Many bring clean things for ablution, which they later do not use for everyday wear, but keep as a holy amulet.

It is forbidden to work on Epiphany days, on this day it is supposed to forget about worldly fuss and completely devote the day to the remission of sins. It is not recommended to drink alcohol and throw magnificent celebrations, because the holiday does not involve long festivities with songs and dances.

Bathing in Rus'

In Rus', on the day of Epiphany, when the first church bells were heard, a huge fire was kindled on the shore. The heat was intended for Jesus, who, after dipping into ice-cold water, could warm himself by the fire. They started preparing already a week before the holiday: they were looking for a suitable place, cut out a large cross and placed it near the hole.

Early in the morning everyone gathered for worship, and then went to the river. At the same time, local residents came with kitchen utensils, into which they scooped holy water. There was even a belief - the sooner you scoop, the purer and holier it will be.

Then the crowd dispersed to their homes, where the women set the table, and the men sprinkled the entire household with holy water. It was believed that this tradition would give the family a successful undertaking in all matters, and the house would be a full bowl. In Rus', on the day of Epiphany, it was forbidden to do laundry. There was a belief that the priest's cross scared away all the evil spirits from the water and now she is sitting on the ice, waiting for dirty laundry. And if someone wants to start washing, then the evil spirit will cling to the clothes, then they will get into the house.

Many have the wrong opinion that on Epiphany you need to swim in an ice hole or pour ice water in the cold. In fact, this has never been a prerequisite for every believer.

The Feast of Epiphany brings humility, cleansing from dirty thoughts, atonement for sins and repentance. On this day, people should be closer to each other and more tolerant, help and support, thank God, restore peace of mind and leave everything bad in the past.

Hello dear readers! On January 19, all believers celebrate the Baptism of the Lord, the most ancient holiday of Christians. Since ancient times in Rus' it was believed that bathing in baptismal water relieves many ailments. Swimming in the hole in the Epiphany - what is it? A tribute to fashion or, indeed, is the healing of the soul and body behind this? This is what we are talking about today.

Some believe that the roots of this holiday belong to pagan culture. Currently, on the night of January 18-19, the consecration of holy water and springs takes place. Many people line up to take holy water or bathe in a consecrated spring.

According to the Gospel, it is believed that on this day Jesus Christ came to the Jordan River in Bethabara, where John the Baptist was, in order to be baptized by him. John, who was preaching the soon coming of the Savior, was surprised when he told Jesus that he should be baptized by him. But in response, Jesus replied that "We must do all righteousness" and was baptized by John. During the baptism, the sky opened up and the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus Christ with the words “You are my beloved Son, my good will is in you!”

Usually at this time in Russia there are hard frosts, they are also called Epiphany. But the frosts seem to have passed, and the weather is relatively warm throughout Russia.

On the eve of Epiphany on January 19, special ice-holes are cut down in reservoirs and rivers in many cities, and even in small villages where there are churches, in which everyone can plunge. Many do it because of the true faith in God, and someone just for the extreme.

But for whatever purpose a person plunges into the icy water in the hole, first of all, you need to be ready for this, not only physically, but also mentally. It's all the same, especially for the body of an unprepared person, stress. An unprepared body is capable of experiencing a feeling of cold, but only for a short time. This is the basis of the hardening method.

Dear readers, have you swum in the hole? It was interesting to know about your feelings from ice water, write about it in the comments.

The first bathing in the hole at Epiphany emerged as a tradition after the adoption of Christianity in Kievan Rus in 988. January 19 is a church holiday - the Baptism of the Lord, during the Divine Liturgy, a great consecration of water, which has healing power, is performed. It is generally accepted that all water elements on this day acquire miraculous features that strengthen bodily and spiritual strength.

What does bathing in the hole at Epiphany mean?

The hole in which they bathe is called Jordan, they come to it after the solemn Divine service, without the prayer of the priest it is not customary to plunge into the water. The priest blesses those who wish to perform the rite of bathing at Baptism - he reads a prayer in front of the wormwood and immerses the cross into it three times, only after the completion of the prayers can the ritual be performed. It is wrong to prescribe the property of purifying and washing away sins by tradition; in order to get rid of sins, one must repent and.

Where did bathing in the hole for Epiphany come from?

The feast to which the tradition adjoins is the most ancient - the Baptism of the Lord was introduced as a separate event in the church service around the year 377. Ancient Christians on this day came to the Jordan, the place where Jesus Christ was baptized. The rite of baptismal bathing is a folk tradition that a person performs at his own request; there are no church prescriptions on this issue. The water consecrated on this day has special properties, which has been proven by scientific research.

What gives bathing in the hole at Epiphany?

If we consider the question of what bathing at Baptism gives, it should be understood what a person expects to receive from such actions. Plunging into the water in Epiphany frosts is not so easy, even with a strong desire. The main thing - there must be faith that water has the ability to heal ailments, and the procedure will not cause harm, the desire to pray - to entrust your needs into the hands of God.

Bathing in frost helps to increase immunity - sudden changes in temperature activate the release of hormones into the blood that have a protective effect on negative changes in the body's work, blood pressure decreases, and a surge of energy comes. Marking yourself with a cross three times before diving into the hole is a prerequisite.

Epiphany bathing - pros and cons

The tradition of bathing at Epiphany is a test of a person's willpower. Doctors state the fact that the percentage of cases after such "procedures" is insignificant. According to the stories of those who have bathed, in the first few minutes a person is gripped by euphoria, the body becomes unusually light, grace is felt in the soul, a surge of special inexpressible sensations comes.

It is forbidden to risk poor health for unforgettable dives in the water. The Church does not oblige or prescribe such a ceremony for believers; it is not part of the holiday. Having skipped bathing, a person does not lose grace. On the day of the Baptism of the Lord, one must come to prayer at the church, one can confess and take communion, sprinkle oneself and one's house with sacred water brought from the temple.

When do they bathe in the hole at Epiphany?

January 18 - Epiphany Christmas Eve, it is generally accepted that after the consecration of water in churches on this day, it becomes healing in all water sources, and retains such properties for the next few days. Bathing itself at Epiphany does not begin without the blessings of the priest, the consecration of places for dipping takes place after the festive services on the morning of January 19.

How to prepare for bathing at Epiphany?

A few tips on how to prepare for the Epiphany bathing in the hole. For an unhardened person, such a dive is stressful, and the consequences of exposure to cold water can be minimized by preliminary hardening of the body. A few days before, it is advisable to take it, go outside or a balcony for a few minutes in a summer version of clothing - shorts and a T-shirt, do rubdowns with a damp towel soaked in cold water, practice dousing with low temperature water.

Epiphany bathing - rules

Bathing rules for Baptism can be divided into parts. The first and most important point is that when performing such an act, a person should pray: for the salvation of the soul, for loved ones, to ask God's help for healing from ailments. It is wrong to plunge into the water for fun or under the influence of alcohol, to experience thrills, to expect healing of the body and soul as a result is unacceptable.

There are a lot of pluses for medical reasons, why bathing for baptism is useful - working capacity increases, allergic reactions, depression, insomnia, pain in the joints and spinal region disappear in the body. Significantly reduced attacks of bronchial asthma, normalizes blood circulation. The body temperature, when immersed, approaches the indicator with a mark of forty degrees, in a few minutes numerous armies of viruses and bacteria die in the body - the work of the immune system increases.

Is it possible to get sick when bathing at Epiphany? Yes, because stressful immersion in water can cause a number of unpleasant consequences in a weakened body. In diabetics, the level of sugar in the blood rises sharply, in the cores there are attacks of arrhythmia and hypertension, in cancer patients there is an undesirable suppression of immunity. Swimming is prohibited for people with flu and acute respiratory infections.

Is it dangerous to swim in the hole for Epiphany?

Discussions about the dangers of swimming in the hole at Epiphany are a serious issue. The organization of the venue is the main selection criterion for those who want to plunge. It is undesirable to come alone to unprepared ice holes, it is a direct threat to human health and life, in case of an unforeseen reaction of the body to cold water, there should be people ready to provide qualified assistance. Tips on how to properly swim in the hole for Epiphany:

• undressing should be done in several stages - take off outerwear, let the body adapt, then undress to a swimsuit;
• walk in the snow - give a signal to the body, through the receptors of the feet, turn on a protective reaction to the cold;
• after being in the water, change clothes, you can’t put on dry things on top of wet ones;
• drinking alcoholic beverages to warm up after the procedure is not recommended.

The Orthodox Church on January 19 (according to the new style) celebrates Epiphany, or Epiphany. This is the most ancient holiday among Christians, and its establishment goes back to the time of the disciples-apostles of Christ. It also has ancient names: “Epiphany” - a phenomenon, “Theophany” - Epiphany, “Holy Lights”, “Feast of Lights” or simply “Lights”, since it was the Lord Himself who came into the world on this day to show him the Light Unapproachable.

Feast of Epiphany

The word "I baptize" or "I baptize" is translated from Greek as "I immerse in water." It is almost impossible to understand the importance and the very meaning of what baptismal bathing is without having an idea of ​​the symbolic meaning of water in the Old Testament.

Water is the beginning of life. It was she who fertilized all living beings that originated from her. Where there is no water, there is a lifeless desert. And water is capable of destroying, as in the time of the Great Flood, when God flooded the sinful life of people and thereby destroyed the evil that they did.

God made the water holy with his Baptism, and now the Blessing of the Water is traditionally celebrated in memory of this event. At this time, water is consecrated in all Orthodox churches, and then in rivers and reservoirs.

Jordan

On this day, a traditional procession called the "Procession to the Jordan" is traditionally carried out in order to bless the water and then arrange an Epiphany bathing in the hole. The baptism of John meant that just as a body washed with water is cleansed, so a penitent soul that believes in God will be cleansed from sins by the Savior.

The Bible story tells how Jesus from Nazareth came in those days, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. When Jesus came out of the water, the heavens opened, and the Spirit, like a dove, descended on Him. And a voice was heard from heaven: "You are my beloved son, in whom is my blessing." The Epiphany revealed to people the great mystery of the Holy Trinity, to which every person who is baptized joins.

Then Christ told his apostles to go and teach this to all nations.

Epiphany bathing

Traditions The tradition of blessing water among our ancestors appeared from those ancient times, when in 988 Kiev Prince Vladimir baptized Rus'. Now, only a priest can perform the rite of consecration of water, since at this time special prayers are read with a triple immersion in the water of the cross. This is done on the feast of Epiphany after the liturgy. But first, before this, a hole is made in the reservoir, usually in the form of a cross, called the “Jordan”.

These days, Epiphany water is a real shrine that can heal and strengthen the mental and physical strength of a person. Therefore, such a solemn procession of consecration is performed near the hole in the reservoir in order to make bathing at Epiphany available to people. Orthodox people draw water from the hole and wash themselves, but the most daring and courageous people literally dive into it.

ancestral traditions

The Russians borrowed the tradition of swimming in the hole from the ancient Scythians, who tempered their babies in this way. They simply dipped them in cold water and thus accustomed them to harsh climate conditions. In addition, the tradition of swimming in the hole was also in pagan rituals, this is how initiation into warriors took place. And still in Rus' they like to rub themselves with snow after a bath or jump into cold water.

Some pagan rites have taken root in our lives to this day. Therefore, we bathe in the hole and celebrate Maslenitsa, which is tied to the beginning of Lent.

Epiphany holiday

According to church rules, on Epiphany Christmas Eve a “great consecration of water” takes place. Believers come to church services, put candles and collect blessed water. However, it is not required to plunge into the hole, it happens at the person's own will.

In general, in Rus' it was believed that bathing in an ice hole at Baptism promotes healing from many ailments. Water, as a living matter, is able to change its structure under the influence of information, so everything depends on the thoughts in a person’s head. Epiphany bathing turns into whole folk festivals; photographs of this celebration always show how fun and interesting they are.

Bathing at Epiphany. How to

But this fun and harmless, at first glance, activity can lead to a number of unpleasant moments. Epiphany bathing does not particularly imply special preparation. The human body is adapted to the cold, and therefore only the mood is important here.

What can happen to the human body when immersed in an ice hole?

1. When a person is immersed in cold water with his head, he has a sharp excitation of the central nervous system and cerebral cortex, which generally has a positive effect on the entire body.
2. Exposure to low temperatures is briefly perceived by the body as stress, which can relieve inflammation, swelling and spasms.
3. The thermal conductivity of the air enveloping the body is 28 times less than the thermal conductivity of water. This is the hardening effect.
4. Cold water causes the body to release additional forces, and after contact with it, the temperature of the human body rises to 40 degrees Celsius. And as you know, at such a mark, microbes, diseased cells and viruses die.

Bathing rules

Bathing in Epiphany frosts implies the fulfillment of certain rules. The main thing at the same time is that the hole is specially equipped and all this action takes place under the supervision of rescuers. The population is usually informed about such mass bathing places. Swimming in an ice-hole requires the presence of swimming trunks or a swimsuit, a terry dressing gown and towels, as well as a set of dry clothes, slippers or woolen socks, a rubber cap and hot tea.

Before arranging a bath in Baptism, it is very important to know how to do it correctly. First you need to warm up a little with exercises, and even better, do a jog.

The ice-hole must be approached in non-slip, comfortable, easily removable shoes or socks.

It is also necessary to check the stability of the ladder, and to secure it, throw a rope firmly fixed on the shore into the water.

It is necessary to plunge into the hole up to the neck, and it is better not to wet the head, so that there is no narrowing of the vessels of the brain. Jumping into an ice hole with your head is also undesirable, as a loss of temperature can cause shock. Cold water will immediately cause rapid breathing, and this is completely normal, as the body adapts to the cold.

It is dangerous to be in water for more than one minute, the body may cool down. You also need to be very careful with children who, if frightened, may forget that they can swim. You also need to be able to get out of the hole so as not to fall, and for this you need to hold on tightly to the handrails and at the same time use a dry rag.

After bathing, you need to thoroughly rub yourself with a towel and put on dry clothes. Immediately it is best to drink hot tea from herbs or berries, prepared in advance in a thermos.

On this day, it is strictly forbidden to drink alcohol, as it negatively affects the natural thermoregulation of the whole organism, and therefore the consequences may be different. It is also important to know that it is also unacceptable to swim on an empty stomach or, conversely, a clogged stomach.

Bathing contraindications

No matter how useful baptismal bathing is, there are still contraindications for this. And they relate to acute and chronic diseases. This is a violation of the cardiovascular system (heart defects, hypertension, heart attacks), central nervous system (cranial injury, epilepsy), endocrine system (thyrotoxicosis, diabetes mellitus), visual organs (conjunctivitis, glaucoma), respiratory organs (asthma, pneumonia , tuberculosis), genitourinary system (cystitis, inflammation of the appendages or prostate gland), gastrointestinal tract (ulcer, cholecystitis, hepatitis), skin and venereal diseases; inflammation of the nasopharynx and otitis, etc.

Opinion of physicians

Medical experts in this field believe that in order for bathing in the hole at Epiphany not to bring any unexpected troubles, you need to be absolutely healthy. And this is especially dangerous for those who smoke or drink alcohol, as blood flow to the lungs can cause inflammation or even swelling of the bronchi and pneumonia.

In young people, not to mention the elderly, the arteries are not always able to properly respond to cold water, and at this point, respiratory arrest may occur, and then the heart. If you engage in systemic winter swimming, then this will certainly contribute to the improvement of the body, but when this happens infrequently, then everything will become a strong stress for him, so you need to seriously weigh the pros and cons before swimming.

Conclusion

Many people on Epiphany heroically decide to swim in the hole, although this idea may not be safe. However, people's Epiphany bathing is very nice, the photos from these holidays are quite expressive, someone is just getting ready to go into the water, someone is already happy that he took a swim, and someone is already warming up and drinking hot tea.

Many believers believe that swimming in the hole at Baptism for a true Orthodox person is a great blessing. And that's the way it is. Only here the main thing is to understand whether this faith is strong and deep enough for you to become a real shield from all troubles at the moment when Epiphany bathing takes place.

Oksana Pankova, SYLru

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