How did the Epiphany celebration go in Orsha
On January 19, Orthodox believers celebrated one of the great holidays – the Baptism of the Lord.
This year, the holiday took place without the traditional frosts and snow. From early morning, the sun was shining brightly, and the thermometer showed positive air temperatures.
The day before, containers with water were set up near Orthodox churches. In the morning, the rite of its consecration took place, after which the residents of Orsha began to collect water.
Many also celebrated the holiday with traditional bathing in icy water. This year, three places were designated for bathing – the Dnieper River near the OSVOD rescue station on Vladimir Korotkevich Street, the Shchetinka quarry, and the spring of Saint Great Martyr and Healer Panteleimon in the village of Lyutyny.
A journalist from the "Arshanskaya Gazeta" visited one of these places. Tents for changing clothes were set up on the beach on Vladimir Korotkevich Street, and for safe entry into the water, there was a wooden structure with railings and steps. After bathing, the staff of the rescue station treated everyone to hot tea. A team of emergency medical services, OSVOD rescuers, Ministry of Emergency Situations employees, and police officers were on duty.
According to the Orsha GROC, the bathing took place in an organized manner and without incidents. In total, about 1,000 people dipped into the water that day.
Olga TIKHONOVA.
Photos by Anastasia TUROK.
