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Russians take dip in icy waters to celebrate Epiphany

Posted at 12:33 PM, Jan 22, 2014
and last updated 2014-01-22 13:41:27-05

KAZAN, Russian Republic of Tatarstan (WTVR) -- In the Russian republic of Tatarstan, Orthodox Christians celebrated the holiday of Epiphany by taking a dip in the icy water of Lake Kaban.

The tradition commemorates the biblical baptism of Jesus and is considered a purifying religious act.

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reports dozens of believers went for the swim despite an air temperature of minus 25 degrees Celsius.