January 21, 2014: Orthodox Christians of Taganrog participated in traditional Epiphany swimming, which was held at two locations on the Azov Sea coast: on Pushkin Embankment in front of Albatross Café and on Yeliseevski Public Beach. In the beginning of the event, Taganrog's Archpriest Alexey Lysikoff consecrated both places and despite bitterly cold wind, hundreds of followers of Russian Orthodox faith went for a polar bear plunge in the Gulf of Taganrog, celebrating the baptism of Jesus in the river Jordan. The bravest men, who went for it, were greeted on shore by numerous spectators, support groups and were offered hot tea and coffee.
Great Blessing of Waters and church services were held throughout the city.
Click here for all photos from the event
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