Ambones

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A raised platform or lectern in a church from which scripture is read or sermons are delivered
2. The term refers to the specific architectural features within a religious structure designed for proclamation purposes
3. Used to denote the two platforms on either side of the choir in some Christian liturgical traditions for reading the Gospel and Epistle

Etymology: Early Christian churches often had raised platforms flanking the choir, and their Greek name describes the shape. "Ambon" came from "anabainein," meaning "to go up," and Greek used it for any rising ground. The Christian sense grew from there, since the raised position let a reader stand above the congregation while proclaiming scripture. "Ambones" is the plural of "ambo," the Latinized form used in English for these structures. Churches usually had a pair, one for reading the Gospel and another for the epistle and psalms, so the plural is the normal form in architectural writing. Each platform was an "ambo" in the singular.