Pilgrims Poisoned: Mushroom Mishap at Mount Athos

Eleven Romanian pilgrims visiting Mount Athos in Greece experienced food poisoning after consuming wild mushrooms. While recovering in hospitals, their condition is not life-threatening. The pilgrims had been staying at St. Anne's skete and fell ill following their mushroom meal during a hike on the monastic mountain.

Eleven Romanian pilgrims have been hospitalized in Greece after suffering from food poisoning on Mount Athos. The group fell ill after consuming wild mushrooms during a hike in the all-male monastic community, Greek officials revealed Wednesday.

Despite their condition, none of the men's lives are at risk, according to authorities. The pilgrims are receiving medical attention in Halkidiki and Thessaloniki, near Mount Athos. They had been staying at the skete of St. Anne before embarking on their ill-fated overnight hike.

The incident underscores the danger of mistaking poisonous wild mushrooms for their edible counterparts. Meanwhile, Mount Athos continues to attract Orthodox pilgrims worldwide, adhering to its thousand-year-old ban on female visitors.

(With inputs from agencies.)