On Wednesday, December 25th, 2024, Archbishop Aristovoulos of Madaba celebrated a Divine Liturgy in the newly established parish of Saint Philip the Deacon in the ancient city of Azotus (modern-day Ashdod) on the feast day of Holy Father Spyridon, Bishop of Trimythous, the Wonderworker.
During the Liturgy, Archbishop Aristovoulos conveyed the greetings and blessings of Patriarch Theophilos III. He assured the faithful that with their patience, the Grace of God, and the intercessions of the Holy Apostle Philip the Deacon, the time will come for the construction of a Sacred Church in Azotus to support and sanctify the Orthodox Christians living in the area.