Dozens of people in Moscow take a dip in freezing water to mark Epiphany, a major holiday in Orthodox Christianity. The ritual marks the baptism of Jesus Christ and is said to cleanse the participant of sin.

A group of Russian Orthodox believers bathes in the icy water of a pond during the celebrations of the Orthodox Epiphany in Moscow, Russia. Participants believe that immersing themselves in holy waters during the Epiphany celebration strengthens their spirit and body.