Epiphany Day is an important religious holiday in Ukraine. It is often referred to as Vodokhryshchi (Blessing of Water) or Yordan (Jordan River). Epiphany Day completes the winter (Christmas–New Year) festivities cycle in Ukraine.
In 2018 many locations in Kyiv will be ready for the plunging into the water on Epiphany Day:
Hydropark: The rescuers are on duty just close to the ice-hole. There are cabins for changing clothes. Folk festivities will take place on the spot. The main action takes place near the chapel of Epiphany.
Dniprovska embankment: here you can dive into the Dnipro near the temple of the Holy Prince Yaroslav the Wise.
Telbin Lake: at 12:00 the priest will sanctify the ice-hole and then everyone will be able to plunge into the water.
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Obolonska embankment: Close to the Pokrovsky Cathedral on Obolonska embankment the ice is cut through a hole in the form of a cross, and the water will be blessed by the Metropolitan of Kyiv on Epiphany Day 2018.
Voskresensky Gardens (the "Cuckoo's Nest"): On January 19 an ice-hole will be prepared over there, which is illuminated at night.
X-Park: the event will be held in the park of Druzhby Narodiv (Friendship of Peoples), along the Yuryevskaya Gulf of the Desenki River. In the morning, water will be consecrated here. For those who want to plunge three ice-holes will be prepared. There is also a separate hole for nudists. "Walruses Fest" will also traditionally take place with competitions and prizes.
"Mamaeva Sloboda": The bathing will take place in the lake near the Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary in front of the Jordanian cross. After bathing in the "Mamayeva Sloboda" the Epiphany festivities will continue: there will be music, incineration of the didukh and many other traditional scenes. Entrance: UAH 60-100.
"Feofaniya" Park: From 8:00 here a hole with straw flooring will be made. For the comfort there will be tents for heating and changing clothes. Entrance to the park is UAH 20.
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Museum of Folk Architecture "Pirogovo": The bathing will take place near the temple of Archangel Michael. Also in the church a bell concert will be arranged. The entrance to the museum is UAH 40.
Country Ethnographic Complex "Ukrainian Village": The water will be consecrated in a new oak bath. Then the visitors of the complex will be able to plunge into the baptistery font.
"Kievan Rus" Park: Here baptismal rite will be reconstructed according to the rules of Ancient Rus. On the territory of the park a theatrical performance "On the Jordan" will take place. It will last for 3 days: On January 19 at 16:30; 20 and 21 January - at 13:30. The entrance is UAH 150.
Epiphany Day 2018 can bring you an unforgetable experience and memories worth sharing with friends.
Photos: shutterstock.com
Where to Plunge into the Water on Epiphany Day 2018 in Kyiv
On January 19th Orthodox Christians celebrate Epiphany Day. The priests make a sanctification of water in the rivers and lakes and then brave people can plunge into water 3 times. Christians believe that this helps to get rid of all sins and illnesses, to clean the body and soul and to start new period of life with God’s blessings.
