During the time of Ottoman rule, the Pasha of Ioannina recruited Greek armatoles in order to strike the people of Souli, against which he launched a siege. In the beginning of 1803 the situation had started becoming harsh. The people of Souli were facing significant lacks in their supplies. After the betrayal of Pilios Gousis, Ali Pasha surrounded Souli. So, the Greeks were forced to set up defences in a more suitable position, in the area of Kougi. Four hundred men and the monk Samouil went there, in order to defend themselves against the Turks. On 12 December 1803, after numerous hardships, hunger, and extreme pressure, the people of Souli launched an offensive, during which they managed to escape. The rest came to an agreement with the Turks and retreated in order to save themselves. During their retreat, however, a heroic deed took place. When the time to hand over their supplies and ammunition came, the monk Samouil along with five other men, blew up the gunpowder magazines, killing in the meantime, many of Ali Pasha’s men. That heroic deed of self-sacrifice, proved the determination of Greeks and the Church to liberate themselves and defend the country.

#ΕλληνικόςΣτρατός, #HellenicArmy