He was adopted into the imperial family, was married to the emperor's niece Maria Asenina (daughter of Ivan Asen III of Bulgaria), and was made grand duke (megas doux) and commander-in-chief of the army and the fleet.
Ai ishte miratuar në familjen perandorake duke u martuar me mbesën e perandorit Maria Asenina (bija e Ivan Asen III i Bullgarisë), dhe u bë duka i madh (megas doux) dhe komandant i përgjithshëm i ushtrisë dhe flotës.