The raised place from which the Gospel is read and the sermon preached; in Protestant churches it is the focal point.
În bisericile ortodoxe, amvonul este fie în mijlocul soleei, în fața Ușilor împărătești, fie (în bisericile vechi) o tribună sculptată pe un stâlp, pe peretele de nord. În bisericile catolice se numește ambon.
În bisericile reformate și unitariene, amvonul — adesea sculptat, cu un baldachin („coroana amvonului”) deasupra — este punctul central, pentru că predicarea Cuvântului are rolul principal în slujbă.
See also
- Lord's TableThe plain table before the pulpit in Protestant churches, where bread and wine are prepared for the Lord’s Supper.
- SermonThe talk by the priest or pastor explaining the biblical readings; in Protestant churches it is the central part.
- SoleasThe raised step in front of the iconostasis, from which the priest addresses the faithful and gives Communion.
In the same category
- Altar curtain (Armenian)In Armenian churches the raised sanctuary is closed not by an iconostasis but by a curtain drawn at certain moments.
- ApseThe semicircular or polygonal end of the church, usually to the east, where the altar stands.
- BaptisteryThe pool in which baptism by full immersion takes place, often behind the pulpit in Neo-Protestant churches.
- Bell towerThe tower or structure in which the bells hang; it can be attached to the church or stand separately.
- CellThe room where a monk or nun lives; also a small hermitage.
- Chancel (presbytery)The part of the church, usually raised and facing east, where the altar stands and the clergy officiate.