Sent by the Pope of Rome to the region of Argyrion in Siciliy as an evangelist in the Fourth Century, Philip began his work there by freeing the residents from the influence of demons who had infested the area. The saint climbed to the summit of a mountain from which he could see the whole community and called upon the Name of the Lord as well as the intercession of Saint Peter. The demons fled from the Holy Name en masse crying out in fear. Having taken the upper hand in the spiritual battle, Saint Philip freed more than 400 individuals, laying hands on them and casting out the demons that had tormented them. By doing so, he laid a firm foundation for the Church in the region and became known as a persecutor of the enemy.