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The Baptism of the Lord, or Epiphany, is celebrated by Orthodox believers on Tuesday, January 19, RIA Novosti reports. It, like Easter, is considered the oldest Christian holiday dedicated to the baptism of Jesus Christ, which was performed by John the Baptist in the Jordan River.
On the eve, Patriarch Kirill led the divine service in the capital's Cathedral of Christ the Savior. According to him, the Holy Spirit does not transform a person into a superman. He allows people to be in communion with God and rely on his power, through this gaining salvation. At the same time, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) stressed, every person should be ready to accept grace, want to receive it, realizing freedom of choice.
In the morning, services are held in Orthodox churches, then the water is sanctified, as before the feast day on Epiphany. Consecrated water can be collected by everyone, subject to compliance with sanitary requirements. It is believed that it can be stored for a long time, heals diseases, helps fight evil forces.
One of the traditions of the holiday is dipping into an ice-hole, which is called jordan. It is believed that bathing in ice water helps to get rid of sins and protects from disease. At the same time, swimming in an ice hole is a folk tradition. The Church does not consider it obligatory.
This tradition has gained great popularity in our country, but this year the pandemic has brought restrictions here as well. In some countries, for example, in Kyrgyzstan, Epiphany bathing was prohibited, and the authorities of some Russian regions did the same. There are no such prohibitions in Moscow and the Moscow region.
The ROC advised, in turn, to refrain from diving, since many people have a weakened body amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Russkiy Mir
