18,304
edits
Changes
m
ro
In the modern era, the raised platform immediately in front of the [[Royal Doors]] is part of the bema and forms a platform from which the [[deacon]] proclaims the litanies, from which the [[Gospel]] may be read, and the [[sermon]] and the dismissals are given by the [[priest]] during the [[Divine Liturgy|Divine Services]].
As a projection of the bema, the Ambon may have one or more curved steps between it and the floor of the [[nave]]. The entire bema in front of the [[Iconostasis]] is called the soleas[[solea]]. Generally, only the clergy and serving attendants walk on the ambo except when the faithful may be receiving the [[Holy Mysteries]]. Otherwise persons who need to walk from one end of the soleas solea to the other step down from soleas solea to the nave floor rather than walk across the ambo in front of the Royal Doors.
At those times that the ambo in the middle of the church is not needed, an [[icon]] on a stand may be placed there for veneration.
[[Category:Church architecture]]
[[ro:Amvon]]
