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More than 1.2 mln people in Russia take part in Epiphany celebrations

The Baptism of Jesus Christ is celebrated on January 19

MOSCOW, January 19. /TASS/. More than 1.2 million people celebrated the baptism of Jesus Christ, participating in 8,700 events, with no offenses committed, Russian Interior Ministry spokeswoman Irina Volk told TASS on Thursday.

"In the early hours of January 19, more than 1.2 million people took part in the celebration of the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord. Over 8,700 events were held in Russian-populated areas," she said. According to Volk, more than 50,300 police officers were involved in ensuring public order and public safety on the territories of Orthodox churches, as well as in dipping stations. Representatives of Russia’s National Guard (Rosgvardiya), private security organizations and public associations of law enforcement were also involved. "There have been no violations of law and order," said the agency's representative.

The Baptism of Jesus Christ is celebrated on January 19. The holiday is traditionally accompanied by mass dipping in ice-cold water through specially cut and blessed ice-holes.

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