Orthodox Christians across Europe stripped off in blistering cold temperatures to immerse themselves in freezing waters today in a traditional ceremony to mark the annual Epiphany celebrations.
Despite air temperatures plunging to as low as minus 41C in some areas of Russia and eastern Europe, hundreds of thousands plunged into holes in frozen lakes and rivers as part of the religious celebration.
Bikini-clad women and topless men dunked themselves in the icy water to celebrate the Orthodox Christian feast day