(EPA/IGOR KOVALENKO | EPA/YURI KOCHETKOV)

An orthodox priest pours a girl with cold river water during Epiphany ceremony at the Kara Balta river near the village of Sosnovka, some 80 km from the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, 19 January 2010. Annually following the Julian Calendar many of true believers take part in this spirit strengthening bathing.
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Russian woman takes an icy bath in Moskva-river, while celebrating the Epiphany holiday in Moscow, Russia, 18 January 2010. People believe that dipping into blessed waters during the holiday of Epiphany strengthens their spirit and body.