The Russian Orthodox Church marks one of the main Christian holidays in Russia on January 19th, the day of the Baptism of Christ.
It is the oldest Christian holiday, along with Easter, dedicated to the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. It is believed that after this, Jesus began to enlighten people.
During the baptism, "heaven opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him, like a dove, and a voice came from heaven, saying: ''You are my beloved Son; I give you my blessing! "(Lk. 3: 21-22).
There is a tradition of bathing in a water bowl, symbolizing the immersion of Jesus in the waters of the River Jordan in the rite of baptism over him. Priests and parishioners of many churches go to ponds where ice has been cut beforehand (usually in the form of a cross), and immerse themselves in the water three times as a prayer.
