Penza, 19 January 2012. PenzaNews. Orthodox residents of the Penza region celebrated Epiphany, one of the main Christian holidays bathing in open reservoirs. In particular, about 300 persons bathed in specially equipped Soldier’s pond. The cleric held service near the reservoir, blessed water and then blessed everybody who wanted to bathe.

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There first aid brigade, law enforcement officers and cadets of the Penza artillery engineering institute were on duty near the reservoirs.

There was a big bonfire that the believers who bathed could get warmed.

As reported earlier, in the territory of Penza 6 official places for bathing were equipped. According to preliminary data, about 3 thousand residents of the city bathed on that day.

Epiphany, one of the main Orthodox Holidays is celebrated on January, 19 and commemorated Jesus Christ’s first steps of service to people. The holiday is the last of 12 Christmas-tide days.