What are the parts of a church building called?

The nave is the main part of the church where the congregation (the people who come to worship) sit. The aisles are the sides of the church which may run along the side of the nave. The transept, if there is one, is an area which crosses the nave near the top of the church. People in the church sit facing the altar.

What is the layout of a church?

The entryway to the church is the narthex; the church portals are located here. The nave, or center aisle is an elongated rectangle and pews are located to each side. During processions, ceremonies or masses, people walk up the nave to the altar. The crossing is where the transepts and nave intersect.

What are the local areas of the church called?

Local churches united with others under the oversight of a bishop are normally called “parishes”, by Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and Lutheran communions.

What is a church section called?

The chancel is generally the area used by the clergy and choir during worship, while the congregation is in the nave. Direct access may be provided by a priest’s door, usually on the south side of the church.

What is the nave part of a church?

The nave is that part of a church set apart for the laity, as distinguished from the chancel, choir, and presbytery, which are reserved for the choir and clergy. The separation of the two areas may be effected by screens or parapets, called cancelli.

What part of the church building is called the sanctuary?

altar
In many Western Christian traditions including Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, and Anglican churches, the area around the altar is called the sanctuary; it is also considered holy because of the belief in the physical presence of God in the Eucharist, both during the Mass and in the church tabernacle at other times.

What are the three parts of the church?

Churches Militant, Penitent, and Triumphant – Wikipedia.

What are the external features of a church?

Exterior

Apse. A semicircular recess covered with a hemispherical vault at the east end.
Arcade. A passage or walkway covered over by a succession of arches or vaults supported by columns.
Architrave.
Archivolt, ornamental molding or band following the curve on the underside of an arch.
Baptistery.
Bell tower.
Buttress.
Chapel.

What is the front entrance of a church called?

narthex
The narthex is an architectural element typical of early Christian and Byzantine basilicas and churches consisting of the entrance or lobby area, located at the west end of the nave, opposite the church’s main altar.

What is the space underneath a church called?

A crypt (from Latin crypta “vault”) is a stone chamber beneath the floor of a church or other building. It typically contains coffins, sarcophagi, or religious relics.

What are the main parts of a church building?

What Are the Parts of a Church Building Called? Vestibule. In the Catholic church, the vestibule is usually the first area encountered upon entering the church. Nave. The nave is the area of the church where parishioners, or members of the church, sit or stand. Sanctuary. In most churches, the sanctuary is in front of the nave, and kept separate by railing if possible. Choir Loft. Non-Traditional.

The Church building is divided into three main parts: the narthex (vestibule), the nave (the temple proper) and the sanctuary (also called the altar or holy place). A major difference of traditional Orthodox churches from Western churches is the absence of any pews in the nave.

What is the main body of the church building?

The nave , the main body of the building, is the section set apart for the laity, while the chancel is reserved for the clergy. In medieval churches the nave was separated from the chancel by the rood screen; these, being elaborately decorated, were notable features in European churches from the 14th to the mid-16th century.

What is the main room of a church?

The interior church doors open up to the nave, or main room of a Catholic church. Members of the congregation are seated in this area, typically in rows of pews. Each row of pews has a kneeler so congregants may kneel at specific times during the Mass.

What are the parts of a church building called?