117 Russians in hospital after drinking holy water

MOSCOW (AP) - Authorities in Siberia say more than 100 Russian Orthodox believers have been hospitalized after drinking holy water during Epiphany celebrations in the eastern city of Irkutsk.

By: Associated Press | WNCT-On Your Side
Published: January 25, 2010

» Comments | Post a Comment

MOSCOW (AP) - Authorities in Siberia say more than 100 Russian Orthodox believers have been hospitalized after drinking holy water during Epiphany celebrations in the eastern city of Irkutsk.
A spokesman for local investigators told The Associated Press on Monday that 117 people, including 48 children, are in the hospital complaining of acute intestinal pain after drinking water from wells around a local church last week.
Vladimir Salovarov says a total of 204 people required some medical treatment. Salovarov said is too early to say what caused the illness.
Many Russians consider any water obtained on Epiphany - which they celebrate on Jan. 19 - to be holy.
The water is typically bottled for consumption later. Tap water in most of Russia is undrinkable.

Reader Comments

*Facebook Account Required to Comment. If you are not already logged into Facebook, please click the comment button to do so.

Deal of the Day

Interactive Radar

Caught On Camera

Hundreds of Marilyn Monroe look-a-likes gather to break world record

A bear and moose take the path less traveled and hundreds of Marilyn Monroe look-a-likes try to break a record. The latest video and stories that will have you talking are coming up now in Take a Look At This!