On January 19, the Orthodox Church celebrates one of the main Christian holidays – Epiphany. According to the Gospel, the holiday received its name due to the baptism of Jesus in the waters of the Jordan, when God was manifested in three of his forms – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
By 01:00 Moscow time, more than 37 thousand people visited Epiphany fonts in the capital, of which about 23 thousand plunged into the water, reports TASS with reference to the press service of Moscow department of civil defence, emergency situations and fire safety.
The most popular places for Epiphany bathing were the Holy Lake (about 5 thousand people came here), a pond in Sokolniki park (3 thousand people), Strogino and Bolshoi Sadovy pond (more than 2 thousand people). The very first people plunged into the ice hole in Borisov ponds.
It is emphasized that in all places for swimming more than 200 rescuers are on duty, as well as ambulance and police officers. Residents of the city were recommended to follow the safety rules and swim only in equipped places.
Ru-Main, 19.01.2020
