Thousands gather on banks of Dnipro for feast of Epiphany (02/07/99)

Thousands gather on banks of Dnipro for feast of Epiphany

Kyiv celebrated the feast of Epiphany on January 19 (according to the Julian calendar) with a traditional blessing of the Dnipro River. Nearly 2,000 people gathered on the banks of the Dnipro and on a bridge spanning the river for a moleben by Patriarch Filaret of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church - Kyiv Patriarchate, which was followed by the blessing of the waters. The prayer service was attended by Kyiv Mayor Oleksander Omelchenko. Afterwards, dozens of hearty Kyivans changed into swimwear and plunged into the waters of the icy river, also a tradition, which is supposed to bring good health and fortune.

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