Epiphany and Swimming for the Cross in Serbia, Montenegro, Russia, Africa and the Middle East

In some countries, they immerse their whole body in the river three times, and in others, like in Serbia, they swim for the Holy Cross.

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Caption below the photo, A man dives into icy water during the celebration of the Orthodox Christian holiday of Epiphany at the height of the Russian-Ukrainian war in Donetsk, in eastern Ukraine, but the territory is now under Russian control, Photo: REUTERS/Alexander Ermochenko

Disclaimer: The translations are mostly done through AI translator and might not be 100% accurate.

19.01.2026. 13:48h

Orthodox believers in Eastern Europe, but also in Africa and the Middle East, celebrate Epiphany, one of the most important holidays in the Christian calendar.

The holiday is celebrated on the day when, according to tradition, John the Baptist is believed to have baptized Jesus Christ in the Jordan River.

In some countries, they immerse their entire bodies in the river three times, and in others, like in Serbia, they swim for the Holy Cross.

Many believers take home water that has been blessed by priests because it is believed to have healing properties.

See photos from Serbia, Montenegro, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Ethiopia and the Middle East