The monks in the monastic communities Lazaros founded lived in individual cells, rather than the cenobitic monasticism of most monasteries; they were even allowed to earn their own income through practicing a handicraft.
He did not give up his attempt, however, but bent down and, using his hands to guide him, went on up.While he was climbing like this, he met a bear, as he used to say, and neither he nor it sensed the approach of the other until they came [so close that] they bumped into each other.
The only explanation for this was that it was a device of the Evil One intended to frighten him into turning back, or rather of God allowing [this] as a trial of his faith and hope.
The [bear] came to a halt at their sudden collision and left the path, while Lazaros went on his way unhindered, heartily singing the Davidic psalms.
[2] According to the description of Alexander Kazhdan, the hagiography "has few supernatural miracles but many vignettes rich in everyday details: the young Lazaros escaped sexual seduction in the house of a girl whom he accompanied to Chonae; Lazaros's corpse, with the help of the monk Cyril, signed the diatyposis for the monks; many thefts and quarrels, travels, and visits are described.