Putin’s icy Epiphany dip goes viral as Russia’s envoy calls for unity against ‘Satanism’

On the feast of Orthodox Christian Epiphany, January 19, Russia’s special envoy Kirill Dmitriev issued a call on social media urging unity in opposing “Satanism,” reposting footage of President Vladimir Putin’s traditional ice-water immersion ritual. The message, blending religion, culture and geopolitics, drew sharply divided reactions online, with some praising the emphasis on spiritual values and others dismissing it as political propaganda amid a highly charged ideological backdrop.

What is Orthodox Epiphany?

Orthodox Christians around the world celebrate Epiphany, also known as the Baptism of the Lord, on January 19 (old Julian calendar) as one of the most significant liturgical feasts, marking the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan and His revelation as the Son within the Holy Trinity. The feast follows thirteen days after Orthodox Christmas and begins with a period of fasting and prayer on Epiphany Eve.

Central to the celebration is the Great Blessing of the Waters, a rite in which priests consecrate water that believers regard as holy and imbued with spiritual cleansing power. After the liturgy on January 19, faithful may keep Epiphany water for prayer, home blessing, healing and protection throughout the year.


A widespread folk tradition, especially in Russia, is the ritual immersion in ice-cold waters. Large ice holes are cut in frozen lakes and rivers, often in the shape of a cross, and believers are expected to immerse themselves three times to symbolize the Holy Trinity and the washing away of sin. These mass bathing events take place nationwide under organized supervision. In recent years, hundreds of such ice baths have been prepared for more than a million participants.

Putin, Lukashenko and the symbolism of the ice dip

In footage shared alongside Dmitriev’s call, Russian President Vladimir Putin was seen shirtless, braving frigid temperatures to enter icy waters and make the sign of the cross, a ritual historically linked to Epiphany festivities and widely broadcast on state media. Putin’s annual participation has become a symbol of personal faith and national identity, reinforcing his image as a leader aligned with traditional Orthodox values.

Similarly, in Belarus, President Alexander Lukashenko was shown participating in Epiphany bathing with his dog nearby, a spectacle mixing religious observance with political imagery. The participation of state leaders in these rites underscores how religious tradition intersects with public life in predominantly Orthodox populations.

The call to “fight against satanism” and online reaction

Dmitriev’s message reflected a broader theme frequently promoted by Russian leadership, that Russia sees itself as a defender of traditional Christian values in contrast to what it portrays as the West’s moral decline.

In this context, the reference to “Satanism” was not tied to an organized religious group or legal campaign, but rather used as ideological language to describe what Russian officials often call anti-Christian or anti-traditional influences in global culture and politics.

While some supporters online praised the message as a call for moral clarity, many critics interpreted it as politically motivated messaging, meant to strengthen domestic unity and frame Russia as spiritually and culturally opposed to Western liberal values.