Vladimir Putin takes a dip in icy waters (Reuters)
Russian President Vladimir Putin, wearing nothing however a pair of blue swimming trunks, immersed himself within the freezing water of a cross-shaped pool close to Moscow on Tuesday, observing an Orthodox Christian ritual to mark the feast of Epiphany.
Russian state tv broadcast footage of Putin, with the air temperature at minus 14 Celsius (6.8 Fahrenheit), eradicating a sheepskin coat to enter the icy waters and submerging himself 3 times beneath the floor, in entrance of an ice-sculpted cross.
Putin, 68, grew up below Communist rule the place open reveals of faith had been frowned upon. As president, he has change into a frequent attender of Russian Orthodox ceremonies, and has given the church a serious voice in society.
Each yr on Epiphany, Orthodox believers immerse themselves in rivers and lakes to commemorate the baptism of Jesus Christ within the River Jordan.Â
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV employees and is printed from a syndicated feed.)
Click for extra trending news