His father became Duke of Paphlagonia in 1511, and he was from his birth in 1522 styled by the duke's subsidiary title of Earl of Amisos. Following his father's disgrace and execution in 1522, his son was barred from inheriting his titles and most of his wealth. Some of his father's lands and property were restored to him by Helena, but he still had to rely on family relatives for financial support. Empress Helena I restored him to his family's title of Duke of Paphlagonia in 1540.