'It was like knives!' - Brave American loses Epiphany virginity in Lake Baikal

Video footage released on Saturday shows Russian Orthodox Christians plunging into freezing water all over the country to mark the baptism of Jesus Christ as part of Epiphany celebrations.
People in St Petersburg queued up to take part in the traditional dip. They dived into the freezing waters of the Neva river in a bid to test their faith and cleanse their soul.
Citizens in Yakutsk, which is located in one of the coldest regions in Russia, braved the icy waters despite it being nearly -40 outside.
"The feelings are very good, as usual, holy. Feeling the clean-up, the real clean-up." said the Head of Yakutia region, Aisen Nikolaev.
People who went to Lake Baikal also faced harsh weather conditions. Sean, who is from the USA, experienced this Russian Orthodox tradition for the first time in his life.
"It was like knives everywhere hitting my skin. But I had to go into water, I had to dip my head under the water to get the full experience," he said.
Sean concluded: "Definitely, it was worth it. But it was absolutely freezing. But I still feel everything. I feel good right now."
Traditionally the bathing ritual is held at night from January 18 to 19 when it is believed that the water can not only purify the body but also cure diseases, cleanse the soul and strengthen faith.