Pulpit

:For other uses of Ambo, see Ambo, Ethiopia and ambulance.

Related Topics:
Ambo, Ethiopia - Ambulance

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A pulpit (from Latin pulpitum "scaffold", "platform", "stage") is a small elevated platform where a member of the clergy stands in order to read the Gospel lesson and deliver a sermon.

Related Topics:
Latin - Gospel - Sermon

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In many Christian churches, there are two speaker’s stands in the front of the church. Typically, the one on the left (as viewed by the congregation) is called the pulpit. Since the Gospel lesson is often read from the pulpit, the pulpit side of the church is sometimes called the gospel side.

Related Topics:
Christian - Churches

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The other speaker's stand, usually on the right (as viewed by the congregation), is known as the lectern. The word lectern comes from the Latin word meaning "to read", because the lectern primarily functions as a reading stand. It is typically used by lay people to read the scripture lessons (except for the Gospel lesson), to lead the congregation in prayer, and to make announcements. Because the epistle lesson is usually read from the lectern, the lectern side of the church is sometimes called the epistle side.

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From the pulpit is often used metaphorically for something which is said with official church authority.

Related Topics:
Metaphorically - Authority

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