Philip, according to historical sources, was of Syrian origin. Born in 40 d.c. in Cesarèa Marittima, a port city dating back to 10a.c. now falling in the state of Israel, he was educated according to Christian canons. At the age of 24 he left Syria to Rome to follow Saint Peter, who he found in the capital of the empire. Here he was educated by Peter himself to understand dialects and languages and then entrusted him with the task of going to Agira, Sicily, to preach the gospel and free the island from the Demons (perhaps men of Arab faith). The same thing he did with Pancrazio by sending him to Taormina, Marciano to Syracuse and Berillo to Catania. On his journey to Agira, Filippo, touch different countries such as Faro a Messina, Valle Longa today San Filippo superiore and inferior to Messina, Limina, Roccafiorita, Bidium or Fenice today Calatabiano where he paused for some time. Continuing on it passed into the Contrada Castrorao, today Mount San Filippo in Calatabiano where the Church stands, then Castiglione di Sicilia, Randazzo, Adrano and then reach Agira after having crossed Mount Etna from north to south. On his pilgrimage there were several miracles and exorcisms performed by him. He died in Agira on 12 May of 103 d.c. The Saint is attributed infinite miracles in life and after death. Today it is celebrated and honored in various locations in Sicily and beyond. Among the miracles I would like to mention one. It has often happened that the fercolo with its Statue has escaped the porters to clash with the door of the seriously ill who immediately recovered or in the houses of possessed to free them from the devil. Other times that the fercolo (structure suitable to carry the statue, or simulacrum, of the saint) itself fell overwhelming the skeptical bearers to then heal them and convert them. I chose this as a miracle because it represents the common denominator of the way in which devotees celebrate today’s holidays.
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Villa Valentina B&B is situated in Taormina countryside. Inside at 7.000 sqm of orange grove from where is possible reached the most important touristic places around Taormina.