More than 500 paratroopers in Vitebsk plunged into Epiphany waters
The celebration took place in the holy water chapel in honor of the icon of the Mother of God "Gracious Sky" near the church of the Prophet Elijah. The servicemen and guests, including representatives of law enforcement agencies and local authorities, were told about the origins of the tradition. The rector of the church of the Prophet Elijah, Archpriest Father Alexander, congratulated those present on Epiphany and performed a prayer service. Afterwards, those who wished took turns immersing themselves in the font.
Serviceman Yevgeny Kudinovich has been immersing himself on Epiphany since 2015, when he joined the brigade for his mandatory service. He was first invited to swim in the icy forest ice hole by his company commander. "The army instilled this excellent healthy habit in me. The advantages are that I don't get sick at all, and I never have any problems with my well-being. It really gives its own stimulus and effect. Therefore, I advise everyone who wants to become a respected man, a true defender of the Fatherland, to test and challenge themselves in this way," he said. Yevgeny has entered the Epiphany water on both frosty and warmer days, like today. He prefers to immerse himself on a snowy frosty day. "After immersion - and this is still hardening the body, and every paratrooper who respects himself must harden his body - it would also be good to rub yourself with snow. This year, due to the weather, it didn't work out," the young man explained.
All servicemen participating in the ritual are hardened and ready to perform their assigned tasks at any time and in any place, emphasized Vadim Bobilevich, Deputy Commander of the 103rd Vitebsk Separate Guards Airborne Brigade for Ideological Work. "The spiritual needs of servicemen are met in the brigade. We traditionally organize Epiphany bathing. I am pleased to note that this year about a third of the servicemen expressed a desire to participate in the event. We have created all the conditions for them: heated tents, hot tea, towels, slippers. There is a military church on the territory of the brigade, and we conduct such a ritual annually together with its rector. We are also always ready to welcome guests – parishioners of our church," noted Vadim Bobilevich.
Today, Orthodox believers celebrate the Epiphany. According to tradition, on this day, those who wish immerse themselves in an ice hole. The procedure is believed to cleanse from sins. Medics confirm the positive effect of bathing in icy water for a prepared body - thermoregulation improves, immunity increases, and even the course of some diseases is alleviated.-0-