In the last issue of this article, I began to share with you the structure of the churches in the time of Chrysostom. The ambon stood roughly in the middle of the church’s nave (i.e., that central part of the church building where the faithful were gathered). It consisted of a raisedplatform enclosed with a parapet (a low wall) of stone slabs, to which two flights of steps gave access. It was connected with the sanctuary by a protected way called the solea: a narrow passage bordered by stone slabs set into pillars in the same way as the sanctuary barrier. It might connect immediately with the sanctuary, or there might be a gap between the two. In either case the solea enabled unhindered passage through a crowded church between sanctuary and ambon. Today, it would be in the center aisle and, because of pews, unhindered access down the main aisle would allow clergy to move from the ambon to the sanctuary or altar (it should be noted that typically in Eastern Christian churches the whole area containing the Holy Table is called the “altar” instead of sanctuary).

It was thus in this type of setting that Chrysostom presided over the celebration of the Eucharist. He entered with his     attendant clergy through the central, royal, doors leading from the narthex (vestibule) into the nave (i.e., the main area of the building where the faithful gathered). He was preceded by lights and incense, and by a deacon carrying the book of the Gospels. Since there was no electricity in the church buildings, candles were needed. Incense was also used to sweeten the odor of the area.

When the procession reached the altar the Gospels were placed on the Holy Table as a symbol of Christ. Then the clergy went to their respective places. The bishop gave the greeting: Peace be with all, to which the people responded: And with your spirit.

This differs slightly from the way that we now celebrate with a bishop. The bishop comes into the church and a throne for him is set up in the middle of the Church. The first part of the Liturgy is then celebrated with him sitting in the middle of the church.

The bishop’s greeting was the signal for the scripture readings to begin. This greeting is still a part of our Liturgy, albeit the Liturgy begins with the Great Litany (originally said after the readings and sermon).

In the time of Chrysostom, there were probably three readings: one from the Old Testament, an Epistle and then a Gospel. A responsorial psalm was sung between the readings (i.e., our Prokimenon and Alleluia verses). We no longer have three readings.            Krisztus feltámadt! (Hungarian)