It is quickly evident that Staurakios will be unable to exercise actual authority due to his debilitating wound, paralysis of the legs and constant pain.

As his condition worsens, the court is split between the factions of his wife Theophano and his sister Prokopia, who hopes that her husband, Michael Rangabe, will be chosen as the Emperor's heir.

As he has no children of his own to succeed him, it soon becomes evident that Staurakios intends to designate Theophano as his successor.

Under his wife’s influence, he begins to freeze out both the Domestic Stephen and the magistros Theoktistos, and to ensure the transfer of power, he attempts to have Michael blinded on October 1, 811.

This act is frustrated by the actions of Stephen.

There is also a popular rumor that Staurakios plans to abolish the Empire and reestablish a republic.

The supporters of Michael, who now include both Stephen and Theoktistos, as well as the Patriarch Nikephoros I, who is alarmed at Staurakios’ plans to pass the throne to Theophano, forces the Emperor to abdicate on October.

2 Hearing of the accession of his brother-in-law, Staurakios takes Holy Orders.

Before being escorted from the palace, he is visited by his sister Prokopia, brother-in-law Michael, and the Patriarch, all of whom justify their actions by the fact of his severe injuries, while Staurakios reproaches them bitterly, in particular the Patriarch.

Staurakios retired to a monastery where he will died from the effects of his wound on January 11, 812.

Michael Rangabe becomes Emperor as Michael I.