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In church architecture, the chancel is the space around the altar in the sanctuary at the liturgical east end of a traditional Christian church building. It may terminate in an apse.
Following the exposition of the doctrine of transubstantiation at the fourth Lateran Council of 1215, clergy were required to ensure that the blessed sacrament was to be kept protected from irreverent access or abuse; and accordingly the area of the church used by the lay congregation was to be screened off from that used by the clergy. This distinction was enforced by the development of canon law, by which the construction and upkeep of the chancel was the responsibility of the rector, whereas the construction and upkeep of the nave was the responsibility of the parish.
As well as the altar, the chancel usually houses the credence table, and seats for officiating and assisting ministers. In Anglican and Methodist churches it will usually include the choir. In some traditions, the pulpit and lectern may be in the chancel, but in others these functions are considered proper to the nave.
The chancel is typically raised somewhat above the level of the nave, where the congregation gathers. It may be separated from the nave by a rood screen, a rail, or an open space. In some churches, the congregation may gather on three sides or in a semicircle around the chancel.
The word "chancel" derives from the French usage of chancel from a Late Latin word cancelli meaning "lattice". This refers to the typical form of rood screens.
The chancel arch is the arch which separates the chancel (sanctuary or choir) from the nave of a church.
The word "chancel" comes from the word cancelli, meaning "lattice work," once used to rail off the choir, where the religious would sit on long benches to sing the responses at Mass and chant the Divine Office, from the nave, where the people sit.
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What are the names for the altar areas in a church?
The chancel leads to the sanctuary and the altar.
What is a chancel used for in a church?
A chancel is typically used as the area near the altar in a church where the clergy and choir gather to conduct worship services. It is considered the most sacred part of the church and is used for rituals such as communion, weddings, and baptisms.
Where was Edward Jenner buried?
Jenner was buried in the chancel of the parish church of Berkeley.
What is an altar screen?
An altar screen is a partition separating the nave from the chancel in the church.
When did Jules Chancel die?
Jules Chancel died in 1944.
What is the area between the altar rail and the pews called in a church sanctuary?
In a historic floor plan of a church, the area between the altar rail and the pews is a boundary where the floor of the chancel is higher than the floor of the nave. The sanctuary can be the front part of the church where the service is conducted or it can mean the nave and chancel together.
A sentence using the word vestry?
The modern church consists of a chancel, organ chamber and vestry on the north, nave, and north aisle.
When was Jules Chancel born?
Jules Chancel was born in 1867, in Marseille, France.
When was Jacques Chancel born?
Jacques Chancel was born on July 2, 1928.
When was Ludovic Chancel born?
Ludovic Chancel was born on April 7, 1975.
What has the author La Grange-Chancel written?
La Grange-Chancel has written: 'Oeuvres de Monsieur de La Grande-Chancel' 'Les Philippiques de La Grange-Chancel' -- subject(s): Poetry
What is the birth name of Jacques Chancel?
Jacques Chancel's birth name is Joseph Crampes.
