He was recognized as a monk, clairvoyant and an exorcist, although he did not take vows. Today he would probably also be considered a bioenergy therapist because he healed people - as he claimed.
He developed a peculiar style of being and speaking, characteristic of the "Old Monk," which convinced simple people. He made an impression of an experienced monk teaching spiritual life and asceticism. He did not eat meat or sweets. The so-called "old age" was strongly inscribed in the Eastern tradition and was a solid spiritual movement in Russia in the 19th century.
