His tenure of the bishopric was troubled not only by domestic bereavements but also by barbaric invasions of the country (in repelling which he proved himself a capable military organizer) and by conflicts with the prefect Andronicus, whom he excommunicated for interfering with the Church's right of asylum.
Domestic bereavements and a severe illness then turned his thoughts in another direction.
Domestic bereavements added further causes of grief and of weakened vitality.