The Patriarchal Synod reacted by defrocking Antim I and excommunicating others, including Ilarion Stoyanov. The new patriarch attempted a compromise by defrocking the offending priest but recognizing the marriage. In Anglicanism, defrocking is extremely rare and often impossible. Violations of this ban are punishable by immediate public defrocking, and often by criminal penalties. This leads to his compulsory defrocking. He denied involvement in McAlinden's transfer to Western Australia or his defrocking. At the same time, it was announced that the process of defrocking Gugilotta was underway. The rite of defrocking of Tazzoli and Ottonelli took place on November 24.