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News item on radio today describes the Epiphany celebrations going on in Russia (Moscow?) at that time, 8.45 a.m. GMT. (Some of the Orthodox churches retain the Julian Calendar, presumably, which was 11 days out in 1752, so is now probably 13 days out.) In the Orthodox church, Epiphany is the Great Blessing of the Waters. Priests were out there this morning in temperatures of minus at least 20 degrees C, the coldest Epiphany in yonks, and blessed the river, whereupon people made holes in the ice and went for a dip. I think the idea is that it cleanses them of their sins. (Makes St Cuthbert look like a softie.) It's supposed to be possible to listen to the clip via the internet, for the next week, via www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/today/listenagain/index.shtml Christine B. -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.375 / Virus Database: 267.14.20/234 - Release Date: 18/01/2006