20,000 Brave Frost to Plunge into Epiphany Ice Holes in Orenburg

In the Orenburg region, Epiphany bathing has concluded, traditionally held on January 18 and 19. According to the regional government, approximately 20,000 people plunged into the ice holes. In Orenburg, this number exceeded 7,000.

As reported by the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MChS), no incidents were recorded during the ablutions. In total, 30 official Jordan rivers were operational in Orenburg region across 18 municipalities. On site, 2,119 personnel and 1,103 pieces of equipment were on duty, including local administration employees, as well as police officers, medical workers, rescuers, and volunteers.

In Orthodox churches, festive services were held. For example, at St. Nicholas Cathedral, Divine Liturgy was conducted by Metropolitan Peter of Orenburg and Saraktash. The bishop also consecrated the Jordan on the Ural River in Orenburg and himself plunged into the water.

It should be noted that during the holiday days, the region experienced quite frosty weather. Thermometer readings dropped to -30 degrees Celsius (-22°F) on the night of January 18, and on January 19, on Epiphany itself, the air temperature was -25 degrees Celsius (-13°F).