Bathing at Epiphany 2026: how to plunge into the ice hole and what to say

Bathing in the ice hole for the Baptism of the Lord is a vibrant folk tradition that gathers thousands of believers on January 19 at the consecrated ice holes, symbolizing spiritual purification and unity with the sacrament of the Baptism of Christ in the Jordan. This is not just an extreme ritual for "tempering", but an act that requires careful preparation, safety measures, and a prayerful attitude to avoid hypothermia and injury. For more information on how to properly plunge into the ice hole, what to say during diving and to whom it is contraindicated, see the Izvestia article.

When and where to plunge into the ice hole for Epiphany

Epiphany bathing takes place on the night of January 18-19 after the Great Consecration of Water at church services — usually after midnight liturgy or on the morning of January 19. You only need to choose specially equipped ice holes (jordan) near the shore with stable ladders, handrails, catwalks and on-duty rescuers, medics and divers. Such places are organized by local authorities and the Ministry of Emergency Situations in each region, publishing lists in advance. Never swim in wild places without an arrangement — the ice can be thin, uneven or with a current, which leads to tragedies.

Before leaving the house, check the weather forecast: in case of frosts below -15 °C, it is better to refrain, and if you are walking with children or the elderly, keep a distance of 5-7 m on the ice and go down one at a time. Come by public transport with friends or family, so that after a dip you can immediately get to a warm place with hot tea.

Preparation for the dive: warm-up and clothes

Systematic walrus bathing is useful, but a single dip is a great stress for the body, so prepare in advance: start a contrast shower a week in advance, light douches with cool water so that the body adapts. Before the ice hole, do a warm-up or run for 5-10 minutes to warm up your muscles and improve blood flow.

Approach the ice hole in comfortable, non—slip shoes - rubber slippers, wool socks, or special boots that can be easily removed; do not walk barefoot to avoid frostbite or slipping. Take a terry towel, a change of dry clothes, and a thermos of tea. Leave your things in the tent or in the car by the ice hole for a quick change of clothes.

Dipping technique: how to log in and out correctly

Take a slow dive down the stairs, holding onto handrails or a rope with knots. Do not dive headfirst, jump or dive headlong — this causes shock from the cold, spasm of the brain vessels and loss of orientation. It is best to go down to the neck, do not wet your head, face and neck.

The time in the water is strictly 10-30 seconds maximum (no more than 1 minute) to avoid hypothermia. Breathe evenly, do not panic from rapid breathing — this is normal. Go out vertically, supported by a towel or snow. Immediately rub off with a towel, put on dry clothes and drink hot tea. Monitor your health for 1-2 hours. If you have chills, dizziness, or cyanosis, consult a doctor.

What to say during dipping: prayers and words

The spiritual meaning of immersion is in prayer and the sign of the cross. Before going into the water, make the sign of the cross over yourself three times, say "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen" or "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner." In the hole, repeat "Lord, have mercy" (3 times), asking for purification of the soul; after leaving — "Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit." The Church reminds us that bathing does not magically wash away sins — it is a symbol, but true purification through confession and Communion.

Who is contraindicated from swimming in the ice hole

Bathing in cold water is prohibited for cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, arrhythmia), asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, kidney failure, ENT diseases, pregnancy, in the first 6 months after a heart attack/stroke or acute respiratory viral infections (including COVID). Elderly, children under 12 years of age and those who have been ill — only with the permission of a doctor.