A monk tonsured by Lazaros at Galesion left as if to go to Crete, falsely pretending to come from there. But at Phygela he vanished, and the monk sent with him returned, baffled. The fraudulent monk returned with a tall tale of being captured by pirates, and was dressed in full monastic habit, though Lazaros had only tonsured him as a novice. Lazaros realised the deception, but welcomed him. After much pressure, Lazaros was persuaded to let him go again on monastery business, this time with Meletios. He was told to obey orders and not embezzle money. As soon as he left, he pretended to be a prophet sent by Lazaros. He reached Bulgaria during the revolt of Deljan, and encouraged him with false words, till he was blinded. He was then welcomed by an imperial strategos, whom he advised to attack the Bulgarians on a Sunday. The strategos was killed, his army was annihilated and the monk had to flee. After wandering for some time, he returned to the monastery at Galesion, where he was again welcomed by Lazaros, although he had heard of his deceitful actions