Leo Tolstoy criticized the Russian Orthodox Church in harsh terms for postponing the original Christian ideals to its own interests.
The Russian Ministry of Interior passed a circular order prohibiting the publication of any telegrams, news, and articles expressing sympathy with the writer and criticizing the Synod's decision.
However, Russian glass plant workers presented Tolstoy with a large lump of glass. The lump had the following engraved in gold on it, "You share the fate of many great people in advance of their time, dearest Leo Tolstoy! They used to be burned at the stake and sent to rot in prison or exile before. Let the pharisaic 'high priests' excommunicate you. Russian people will always be proud of you, outstanding, much appreciated and greatly admired as you are."