Several persons of distinction confessed that it was true.
It was not to be expected, however, that such a publication would escape the condemnation of the more bigoted members of the Greek Church.

The opposition became furious, with threats of personal violence.

In August, the "Holy Synod of the kingdom of Greece" formally denounced the book and its author.

Dr.King was characterized as a hypocrite, imposter, deceiver, as impious and abominable, and a vessel of Satan; and after a confused and lame attempt at an answer, every orthodox Christian was forbidden to read it, and required to deliver it to the flames.

The writer was pronounced "an outlaw, whom no one might salute or greet in the street," and all were forbidden to enter his dwelling, or to eat or drink with him, on pain of the most severe ecclesiastical penalty.
The Synod also requested the government to institute a criminal prosecution.