The text describes Ivan Syrkov as a 'богатый гость' (wealthy guest/merchant) from Novgorod, who alongside his sons Dmitry and Afanasy, 'выделил деньги, построит на свои деньги' (allocated money, built with his own money) churches and monasteries. The term 'гость' in historical Russian context often referred to a wealthy merchant or trader. Therefore, the primary occupation of Ivan Syrkov and his sons was that of wealthy merchants.