Africans Cerebrates Orthodox Epiphany Day -

**Epiphany Orthodox Christians Celebration**

Members of the Orthodox Epiphany religious group in Africa celebrated Orthodox Epiphany rites with bathing and special services on Monday.

According to Viory website, there were footages from Zambia, Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, the Central African Republic, and Mauritius.

Video shows people taking the traditional plunge, symbolising the baptism of Jesus in the Julian calendar used by the Orthodox Church.

“Today, the Lord led me to the shores of the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius. I had the honour of baptising six people who had been preparing for this sacrament for a long time, and I blessed the waters of the ocean and everyone who prayed.

The Lord blessed all our dear African brothers and sisters. He has granted them happiness and the opportunity to live in faith, to follow God’s commandments, and to live in love for one another.

And may we all find happiness. May God bless us all,” said Patriarchal Exarch of Africa, Metropolitan Constantine of Cairo and North Africa.

Meanwhile, a resident of Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of Congo, said he had only heard about the tradition of Epiphany bathing – and it had sparked his interest in Orthodox practices and Russian culture.

“I’d love to visit Russia again. Studying the tradition of Epiphany immersion is very interesting. I’m also one of those who studies Russian culture. Russia, wait for me!” he added.

The Russian Support

Rossotrudnichestvo – Russia’s Federal Agency for Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Affairs, Compatriots Abroad, and International Humanitarian Co-operation – said it was on hand to help those overseas learn about Epiphany traditions and participate in one of the important cultural customs of the Russian Federation.

The first grand consecration of the Russian Orthodox Church took place in Port Louis, Mauritius, which is set to become a centre of attraction for Orthodox believers from around the world.

Orthodox Epiphany is celebrated on January 19, with many taking dips in ice holes and pools to mark the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. Some believe that participating in the ritual on Epiphany can purify the soul and cleanse sins.

Orthodox Christians gather holy water, considered to hold spiritual properties for years, offering protection and blessings to those who use it.