Devout Orthodox Christians in Kiev, Ukraine bathing in a cross-shaped icy pond to mark Epiphany last Saturday. /VCG Photo

The feast day celebrates the baptism of Jesus for Orthodox Christians. /VCG Photo

Believers across Russia plunged themselves into freezing lakes and rivers to symbolically wash away their sins on the day when it is believed that all water becomes holy. /VCG Photo

 To facilitate the celebrations, many places in Ukraine and Russia also cut ice and put up facilities for Orthodox Christians. /VCG Photo