Agrinio residents sought spiritual refuge during 1918 influenza pandemic

During the 1918 influenza pandemic, the city of Agrinio, Greece, faced a devastating outbreak that caused between 40 and 50 deaths daily. As the disease spread through the region, including Messolonghi and Aetoliko, the local population sought spiritual refuge in the icon of Panagia Prousiotissa.

Following a tradition from a previous cholera outbreak in 1854, residents organized the transfer of the miraculous icon from the Monastery of Prousos. On October 24, 1918, a procession of approximately 5,000 faithful people carried the icon through mountains and gorges toward the city. After a 48-hour journey, the icon arrived in Agrinio, where a large prayer service was held at the Holy Temple of Agia Triada. According to local tradition and historical accounts, the epidemic began to subside following these religious observances.