On Orthodox Christian Epiphany, Russia’s special envoy Kirill Dmitriev shared footage of President Vladimir Putin’s traditional ice-water immersion ritual and called for unity against “Satanism,” blending religion, culture and geopolitics. The message has sparked debate online, with some viewing it as a call for spiritual values and others criticising it as political propaganda contrasting Russia with Western liberal ideals. Orthodox Christians around the world celebrate Epiphany, also known as

The traditional bathing ritual to celebrate Epiphany involves dipping your body into an ice hole, which symbolizes the baptism of Jesus Christ. Many religious Russians believe that by bathing on this day, it is possible to cleanse oneself of sins. | Future Russia