A woman emerges from the icy water on Epiphany at a pond in Tyarlevo village, outside St. Petersburg, Russia. Thousands of Russian Orthodox Church followers plunged into icy rivers and ponds across the country to mark Epiphany, during which they cleanse themselves with water deemed holy for the day. Water that is blessed by a cleric on Epiphany is considered holy and pure until next year’s celebration, and is believed to have special powers of protection and healing. (Dmitry Lovetsky/Associated Press) Click image to zoom.