1. The Religious Ritual
- On January 19, 2022, Anna Uscova, a 40-year-old mother in St. Petersburg, Russia, went with her husband and children into the snowy woods to perform the Russian Orthodox Epiphany ritual.
- This ceremony, done annually across Russia, involves jumping into icy water—usually a cross-shaped hole cut into a frozen lake or river—to purify the soul and body and ward off evil.
2. A Private Family Ceremony
- Normally, Anna’s family did this as part of a church group, where safety protocols and emergency personnel were present.
- But this year, she wanted a more intimate experience, so they went out alone into the woods.
3. The Setup
- Anna set up a camera and lighting to record the ritual.
- She comforted her nervous kids, told them she’d go first to show them it was safe, then crossed herself and jumped into the water.
4. Something Was Wrong
- After Anna jumped in, 1 second passed… then 2 seconds… then 3—and she still hadn’t resurfaced.
- Her family began to scream in panic.
5. The Deadly Mistake
- Anna had unknowingly jumped into a raging, deep river that was frozen only on the surface.
- The current underneath the ice was powerful, and swept her away instantly under the sheet of ice.
- There was no way to climb out, no open exit point, and the dark, freezing water consumed her within seconds.
6. Desperate, But Helpless
- Her husband tried to jump in after her, but the current pulled at him, and he realized he couldn’t save her without drowning too.
- The family called for help, but it was too late—Anna vanished under the ice.
7. The Aftermath
- Despite search efforts, Anna’s body was never recovered.
- What was meant to be a sacred, bonding ritual ended in an irreversible tragedy.
- The family’s lack of safety preparation, absence of trained personnel, and poor choice of location all contributed to her death.
The Bigger Message
This heartbreaking story shows how faith, while powerful and meaningful, must also be approached with respect for nature and an understanding of risk. Anna’s good intentions and desire for a personal spiritual moment ended in a preventable loss because of environmental danger and lack of planning.