Ambones

/æmˈboʊniːz/ noun

Definition

The plural form of ambon; multiple raised platforms or lecterns in a church for delivering readings or sermons.

Etymology

Direct Latin plural of 'ambon' (Greek 'ambōn'), following the regular Latin neuter plural ending '-es.' Historical churches often had two ambones—one for gospels and one for epistles.

Kelly Says

Medieval churches with two ambones represented a sophisticated liturgical choreography—one reader would ascend from the north, one from the south, creating a balanced, almost musical dialogue of scripture that engaged the whole congregation.

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