The Russian Orthodox Church warned against baptismal bathing due to the outbreak of "omicron"

In 2022, in connection with the spread of the omicron strain of CORONAVIRUS, Russians should abandon Epiphany bathing. Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, HEAD of the department for external church relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, stated this on the air of the Rossiya 24 TV channel.

“When they ask me whether it is necessary to dive, whether it is worth it, I call for maximum caution, because, firstly, any mass gatherings of people are now undesirable. If crowds can be avoided, it is better to avoid them,” he said.

The Metropolitan recalled that “the virus has not gone anywhere from us,” and doctors warn of an outbreak of “omicron” and a large number of infected as early as February.

According to the bishop, it is better to devote the time left before the promised outbreak of the coronavirus to boost your immunity, get vaccinated and “prepare for this new wave.”