Russians celebrate Orthodox Epiphany with icy swim

STORY: Partakers were seen immersing themselves in the cold dark water, as temperatures in Moscow were as low as -5 degrees Celsius (23 degrees Fahrenheit). Worshippers believe their sins are symbolically washed away through the ritual.

The Russian Orthodox Church marks the Epiphany on January 19, but celebrations start the day before. The ritual commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River.

Despite the snowstorm, it was warmer than normal with temperatures usually reaching -10 to -20 degrees Celsius (14 to -5 Fahrenheit) at this time of year.