“Gremyachii Istochnik”, or the “Rattling/Thundering Spring”, is a famous 25 meter tall cascade of springs running from the walls of the cliff. It is considered to be a holy sight because, as the legend has it, it came to life after St. Sergius said a prayer on his way from Troitsa to Kirzhach. Today, the spring attracts hundreds of pilgrims every day who wish to take in the holiness of the water, which many believe to possess healing powers. Special baths and bridges allow visitors to bathe in the holy water and a chapel at the top of the spring makes prayer possible. The number of pilgrims usually peaks on January 19th, the day of the Baptism of Jesus according to the Gregorian calendar. On this day, Russian Orthodox believers are plunged into a blessed section of frozen water three times in remembrance of Jesus’ baptism in the river Jordan by John the Baptist. It is also believed that being submerged into the water on this day will cleanse the body’s sins and ensure a healthy year. Gremyachii Istochnik is located not far from Sergiev Posad but it is easiest to get there by car as there is no direct public transport taking visitors there.