ambón

An ambón is a raised pulpit or lectern in a Christian church from which the scriptures are read and the sermon is delivered. Historically, ambons were common in early Christian and Byzantine churches and were often ornate structures. They were typically circular or semi-circular in shape and could be accessed by stairs. The ambón served as a central point for liturgical proclamation, allowing the reader or preacher to be clearly heard by the congregation.

The design and placement of ambons varied across different church architectural traditions. In some basilicas, two ambons might be present, one for readings and another for the sermon. Over time, the use of the ambón declined in some Western churches, with the lectern and pulpit becoming more common. However, in Eastern Orthodox churches and some other denominations, the ambón or a similar structure remains an integral part of the church's worship space. The term can also refer to the specific part of the church where the lectern stands.