Vodokhreshcha: Yushchenko Ice-Swims, Tymoshenko Flies to Moscow

Today, the Orthodox world celebrates the Feast of Theophany, known as Vodokhreshcha in Ukraine.

As expected, President Yushchenko performed his annual ice swimming ritual. Kyiv Mayor Chernovetsky followed suit.



Opposition leader Yanukovych, who prides himself on adhering to the same practice, called in sick.

Meanwhile, PM Tymoshenko flew to Moscow to sign the gas deal. According to some reports, the deal includes a quarterly revision clause that will revise the gas price paid by Ukraine based on the fluctuating price of oil.

The deal reportedly leaves RosUkrEnergo in the cold.

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Original video source: http://tsn.ua
Other sources:
http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2009/1/19/88041.htm
http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2009/1/19/88014.htm
http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2009/1/19/88002.htm
All photos courtesy of the President’s press service

Yushchenko, Yanukovych Celebrate Theophany

Ice swimming plays a central role in traditional Ukrainian Vodokhreshcha (Theophany) celebrations.

President Yushchenko: Godspeed!
Orthodox clergyman: And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation…
Male voice: I’ve brought you some towels.

Opposition leader Yanukovych: I started in the morning — in the morning. So, I’ve never done it in public. At other times, I bathed in the sea. But since there’s no sea around, there’s a little reservoir, and with a calm conscience I do it there, and it’s no problem.

Why be so shy? We'd love to see ProFFessor Sub-Zero in action!

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