In 1872, Lazarević finished the construction of an elementary school and in 1873 became its administrator. The same year, he constructed a chapel in Pješvica and wanted to make it a parish church. During the 1875 uprising of Christians against the Ottoman Empire, Ottoman authorities asked Lazarević to try to pacify the Catholics involved in the uprising but he failed. Out of fear, he did return to his parish but left for Dubrovnik on 1 July 1875. Many other priests fled to Dalmatia, along with the Catholic population. Many churches and houses were destroyed. The situation improved after the Austrian-Hungarian occupation of 1878 and refugees returned to their homes. Churches and schools were being renovated and new ones were being built, increasing the number of Catholics. Upon arrival of Austrian-Hungarian troops, Lazarević led numerous celebrations across the diocese.
