A photo from open sources
Epiphany bathing, according to the patriarchs of the Orthodox Church, is not belong to the number of church sacraments and do not wash away human sins. In this case, we can only talk about folk tradition, which is dedicated to the day of the Baptism of the Lord.
Thus, the opinion of the vast majority of people that such ablutions cleanse from sins, is wrong. Sins forgives man our Lord Jesus Christ only during the sacrament confession. Therefore, on the bright holiday of Baptism, the main thing for Orthodox Christian – Communion of the body and blood of the Lord and certainly at worship in the temple. Also follows this day to take part in the rite of the Great Sanctification of Water.
Speaking from worldly positions, swimming in icy water can cause serious harm to health. Contraindications for him are stroke, almost all heart diseases, serious diseases of the vascular system, hypertension, broncho-pulmonary and renal diseases. Generally keep in mind that immersion in cold water can cause a spasm that fraught with both a stroke and a heart attack.
If you are physically or mentally unprepared for such an aquatic procedure, do not be discouraged: on the night of Baptism becomes healing and holy all the water on earth, including flowing from water supply. You can well get a warm bath in which and plunge laid three times.
Water Russia
