Ambon

The raised platform from which the Gospel is proclaimed — also called amvon in Slavic practice.

The ambon (from 'ascending') is the elevated pulpit before the iconostasis. In Byzantine practice it became the soleas — the raised step before the Royal Doors. The deacon reads the Gospel from the ambon, the priest delivers the homily, and litanies are proclaimed there. Its elevation signifies the height of the Gospel proclamation above ordinary speech. The Slavic form amvon refers specifically to the semicircular platform projecting from the iconostasis.