Embracing Epiphany in Icy Depths

Two Orthodox Christian women stand at the heart of a solemn winter ritual on the icy shores of Kyiv’s Dnipro River. In a black bikini, one rises from the frigid embrace of the water while the other remains submerged, her spirit undisturbed by the chill.

They join believers in a centuries-old practice, braving the bone-chilling waters each January 19 to celebrate Epiphany, symbolizing a purification and renewal of faith. As they withstand the cold, these women mirror the resilience and warmth of the belief that propels them into the depths, creating a striking contrast to the wintry scene—a celebration of enduring faith that outlasts even the coldest tides.