Vladimir Putin: Media reports quoting Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Russian President Vladimir Putin celebrated the festival of Epiphany by taking a dip in cold water. This festival was celebrated on 19 January. Authorities across Russia had set up bathing facilities for people following Orthodox ideologies.
Even in Siberian areas where temperatures have fallen below -22°F, bathing spots have been created. However, it is not clear where Putin took the plunge on Friday (January 19). The reason behind this is related to security. However, at present it is bitterly cold in Russia and yet Putin has taken a dip in the water.
Putin followed conservative tradition
According to the Moscow Times report, when Peskov was asked about the President’s alleged involvement in the Epiphany dip, he confirmed it. The spokesperson said “Yes, they did it as per tradition to mark Epiphany.”
The video of Putin taking a dip in water on Friday (January 19) is not available. However, in 2018, video of the 65-year-old leader was aired on Russian television where he was seen approaching a hole in the ice on Lake Seliger in north-western Russia. After this he crossed himself through the hole and jumped into the icy water.
Vladimir Putin and other Orthodox Christians celebrate the baptism of Christ with a traditional dip in ice water. pic.twitter.com/YpCT4VIou9
— Onegin (@Stan23387461) January 19, 2024
In observance of Orthodox tradition, water blessed by a priest during Epiphany week is considered holy. It is said that this water has many properties. Epiphany, celebrated on January 19 in Russia, symbolizes the baptism of the Lord.
This is how Putin was brought up
Let us tell you that Vladimir Putin was brought up by a devout Christian mother. That’s why Putin always wears a cross around his neck. Russia is officially a secular country. Despite this, President Putin, like most Russians, considers himself a follower of the Orthodox Church.
Russia’s lackey
Mark Toole, president of The Institute on Religion and Democracy, has written in World Magazine that Russia has long been a henchman of Western countries. Russia has greatly expanded its influence in Ukraine through the Orthodox Church. Russia gave autonomy to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church three years ago. After which a part of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine recognizes Russian authority.