Soleas
Encyclopedia
The soleas is an extension of the sanctuary
platform in an Eastern Orthodox temple
(church building). The soleas projects beyond the iconostasis
, forming a narrow walkway running the full length of the iconostasis.
In the center of the soleas is the ambon
, directly in front of the Holy Doors, where the Communicants stand to receive Holy Communion and where the clergy come out for public prayers, sermons, etc.
At either side of the Soleas are places for two choir
s, called the kliros
(meaning lots, since in ancient times Readers and Singers
were chosen by lots).
Sanctuary
A sanctuary is any place of safety. They may be categorized into human and non-human .- Religious sanctuary :A religious sanctuary can be a sacred place , or a consecrated area of a church or temple around its tabernacle or altar.- Sanctuary as a sacred place :#Sanctuary as a sacred place:#:In...
platform in an Eastern Orthodox temple
Eastern Orthodox church architecture
An Orthodox church as a church building of Eastern Orthodoxy has a distinct, recognizable style among church architectures.-History:While sharing many traditions, East and West in Christianity began to diverge from each other from an early date...
(church building). The soleas projects beyond the iconostasis
Iconostasis
In Eastern Christianity an iconostasis is a wall of icons and religious paintings, separating the nave from the sanctuary in a church. Iconostasis also refers to a portable icon stand that can be placed anywhere within a church...
, forming a narrow walkway running the full length of the iconostasis.
In the center of the soleas is the ambon
Ambon (liturgy)
The Ambon or Ambo is a projection coming out from the soleas in an Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox and Eastern Catholic church. The ambon stands directly in front of the Holy Doors...
, directly in front of the Holy Doors, where the Communicants stand to receive Holy Communion and where the clergy come out for public prayers, sermons, etc.
At either side of the Soleas are places for two choir
Choir
A choir, chorale or chorus is a musical ensemble of singers. Choral music, in turn, is the music written specifically for such an ensemble to perform.A body of singers who perform together as a group is called a choir or chorus...
s, called the kliros
Kliros
The kliros is the section of an Eastern Orthodox or Eastern Catholic church dedicated to the choir...
(meaning lots, since in ancient times Readers and Singers
Chanter
The chanter is the part of the bagpipe upon which the player creates the melody. It consists of a number of finger-holes, and in its simpler forms looks similar to a recorder...
were chosen by lots).