Zvonkaya font: how Russians celebrated Epiphany

In 2026, 40 official places were equipped for Epiphany bathing in Moscow alone, and more than 200 in the Moscow region. Hundreds of people came to the church of St. Nicholas, located on the territory of the Izmailovo Kremlin, to collect holy water and plunge into the font. Orthodox believers celebrated the feast of the Epiphany on the night of January 19th. For them, bathing in Jordan is a way to be healthy all year round and strengthen their mental strength. About how and where Russians celebrated Epiphany, and what rules should be followed when diving into icy water — in the Izvestia report.

We came to "wash away our sins"

Believers all over Russia celebrated one of the main church holidays — Epiphany, which is also called Epiphany. At this time, Christians remember how Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist on the Jordan River. Traditionally, the holiday was accompanied by mass bathing in specially equipped reservoirs. From the point of view of the church charter, this rite is not considered mandatory, but it is popular with many believers.

In the church of St. Nicholas, located on the territory of the Izmailovo Kremlin, the festive atmosphere, according to parishioners, was felt from the very morning. On Epiphany Eve, January 18, the water was consecrated there during the morning liturgy and in the evening after the All—Night Vigil.

"The priest cleans the space, and you become cleaner yourself, your soul immediately feels so calm," an elderly man leaving the evening service told his companion.

In his hands is a three—liter bottle of holy water. The priest asked not to film the process of water consecration, so the journalists were invited to the beginning of Epiphany bathing. Hundreds of believers came to plunge into a specially prepared ice hole (Jordan) behind the temple.

The territory of the Izmailovo Kremlin was patrolled by Interior Ministry officers and Cossacks in festive red sheepskin coats.

"There are just as many people this year as last year, and most of them are usually after midnight," one of the Cossacks told Izvestia. — And I have a birthday on January 19th. I'm on duty today, and tomorrow I'll probably go for a dip.

Pensioner Tatiana, who came from Transnistria, told Izvestia that the most important thing is to plunge into the font with faith.

— This is my first time here, I usually go to the river to the ice hole for Epiphany. It's a tradition. I celebrate big holidays with my family, go to the monastery, and take a dip there. I definitely need to go, so I'll take a dip and be healthy all year round. I'm not getting tough, I just go there with faith and that's it," she shared.

Many families with children came to Izmailovo Kremlin to celebrate the Epiphany. The people who met the Izvestia correspondent on the way congratulated and encouraged each other. The couple from Moscow took a dip immediately after the evening service, but stayed at the ice hole until midnight to support their friends.

"We came to wash away our sins," the man says ironically. — It's warm in the locker room, and then you have to go out into the cold. It's difficult, of course, but I had to overcome myself. We also walked barefoot on the cold ground, because we forgot our sneakers this year.

A young man, wrapped in a towel, is waiting for his turn to dive into the font. He told the Izvestia correspondent that he was participating in Epiphany bathing for the first time and was in a "fighting mood."

"He's shaking all over," his girlfriend joined the conversation. — I don't risk diving myself, I'm afraid for my health, I like warmth and comfort more. I'm worried about the guy too. We've been together for a long time, and I was even a little surprised that he decided to go and take a dip.

Foreigners also came to test themselves. Frenchman Antoine said that the first time he swam in the Epiphany hole was ten years ago.

— I remember it very well! The French and I, who live in Moscow, have a tradition of bathing at Epiphany. It's such a challenge for us," he said.

The visitors, who did not dare to swim, asked the rescuers on duty near the baptismal font to scoop up some Epiphany water for them to wash their faces. From time to time, there was a break — rescuers needed to clear the steps of ice. Hot tea was served to everyone at the heating points. And at 22:00 the concert program began — folk songs were played on the square, the presenters led round dances with children, and adults from the stage were told about the traditions of the Epiphany of the Lord.

How was security ensured

In 2026, 40 official bathing places were equipped in Moscow, said the capital's mayor, Sergei Sobyanin. All of them were equipped with stairs for descent, lighting, heating points, handrails and anti-slip flooring.

And in the Moscow region there were more than 200 such places this year — on rivers, lakes and ponds, as well as at temples and holy springs, said the governor of the region Andrey Vorobyov in social networks.

Rescuers were working near the Baptismal fonts, escorting believers to the places of descent, police and ambulance crews.

"Epiphany bathing should be safe. If you plan to take a dip, choose only organized places," wrote Andrey Vorobyov.

Epiphany Day was celebrated all over Russia. Seven fonts were working in Nizhny Novgorod — medics, riot police and volunteers were on duty everywhere, Anatoly Korolikhin, senior state inspector of the GIMS of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia in the Nizhny Novgorod region, told Izvestia.

— In the ice holes, where there is a great depth, there are inserted fonts so that people can stand on their feet without falling through or drowning. Warm tents are set up separately for women and men in all places. Warm tea is poured for everyone. We try to keep people warm after swimming," he said.

According to Anatoly Korolikhin, the weather allowed Nizhny Novgorod residents to "calmly come and swim." A local resident, Alexander Latyshev, said that he has been coming to Epiphany bathing every year for seven years.

— It feels great, the water is warm, — he said, wiping himself with a towel, — It gives vigor and health for the whole year!

In the Lipetsk region, the weather on Epiphany night was noticeably cooler, however, this did not frighten the faithful. Andrey Kiselyov told Izvestia that he had come from St. Petersburg for work and could not miss swimming. Vladislav Bulgakov, a local resident, also plunged into the ice hole three times.

— It's interesting to test yourself. The frost doesn't scare you at all, it's even warm, I would like it to be colder. It's only minus 16 degrees, what's the big deal," he said.

In cold water, swimmers may experience seizures or heart problems, Anatoly Pirogov, deputy head of the search and rescue service at the water bodies of the Lipetsk region, warned.

— If a person in the baptismal font becomes ill, rescuers pull him out and hand him over to the ambulance staff. Rescuers are dressed in waterproof thermal protective suits, they will immediately react and provide assistance. There were no critical cases, as people come prepared and rub themselves before bathing. Moreover, there are heated tents where you can warm up before and after swimming," he said.

Epiphany bathing in the open sea

A snowstorm began in Yekaterinburg closer to midnight. The locals stood in line for several hours at the font, but there was no sign of great fatigue on their faces.

— I have a tradition of diving from midnight to two in the morning. It provides spiritual cleansing and a boost of energy, which is enough for the whole year," Oleg Kalashnikov said.

And Spaniard Sebastian Royce told Izvestia that he had long dreamed of diving into the font — he had been going for this for eight years.

— I have been living in Russia for a long time, I really love this country for everything it has given me. I studied to be a doctor at Ural Federal University, and am currently undergoing my residency. When I moved here, I even got tattoos of a matryoshka doll and a bear," he said.

Epiphany bathing was also held in Dagestan — believers gathered on the shore of the Caspian Sea, many came with young children. After the service, the priest sprinkled holy water on the crowd, the parishioners crossed themselves and read prayers. Then everyone plunged into the sea.

— The weather is good, snowy, as it should be on Epiphany. Before that, I swam in a lake in Rostov. In the ice hole, when you dive, it's minus 10 outside, and plus in the water. It seemed to be cold, and then you realize that it's warmer in the water and you want to go back. Everything is different in the open sea," Vasily Kanygin shared his feelings.

Another resident of Dagestan, in a conversation with Izvestia, noted that immersion in the font helped him overcome his fears.