His grandfather, who was from Souli, was prosecuted by Ali Pasha, settled in Milies in order to get away.

[1] In 1905 Garefis joined the Macedonian Struggle and became the co-leader of Konstantinos Mazarakis-Ainian's armed group, acting mainly in Vermio.

On August 6, 1906, he discovered the hut in the village of Chernesovo Aridea (now Garefio), in which his enemies were hiding, the komitadjis Lucas and Karatasos.

[2] Captain Garefis, with no fear, entered the hut and killed Karatasos and heavily injured Lucas.

Garefis, despite his serious injury, insisted, before he left the field of battle, to see the result of it which was successful.