The chancel is the part of a church containing the altar, where the clergy and the choir usually sit. the part of a church where the priests and the choir (=singers) sit (cancellus , from cancer ( CANCEL); because the chancel was enclosed with such a framework)
In churches with a historic floor plan, the chancel is the front part of the church from which the service is conducted, as distinct from the nave, where the congregation sits The chancel is usually an elevated platform, usually three steps up from the nave In churches with a lecture-hall floor plan, the term sanctuary is often used to mean both chancel and nave because the two are not architecturally distinct In the historic floor plan, the words chancel and sanctuary are often synonyms
From the Latin cancelli, meaning "a grating" or "lattice " Chancel is the name for the section of a church building between the nave and the sanctuary; usually the place the choir sits; sometimes also called the "choir" It is also usually a few steps higher than the nave
In classic church design, an area of pews, seats, stalls or prayer desks set apart from the nave, used by the ministers leading services and sometimes used by the choir
means a lattice-screen In the Roman law courts the lawyers were cut off from the public by such a screen (Latin, cancellus ) Chancel of a church That part of a church which contains the altar, and the seats set apart for the choir It is generally raised a step or more above the floor of the nave
the area reserved for the clergy, behind the high altar, in the extension of the nave It was were the religious chants were sung and often also included the choir stalls
the part of the church containing the altar and seats for the clergy and choir (Encyclopedia Britannica) In traditional Episcopal churches, the congregation enters a rectangular-shaped nave, and sits facing an altar with the chancel located behind the altar ECA's church is unique in that our nave is shaped like a cross (or 4-way intersection) with the sanctuary in the center, the pews on three sides, and the chancel being on the fourth side Because of this design, we do not have a traditional center aisle (sorry brides!), instead we have a church that allows you to see your neighbors' faces
The area of the church containing the Sanctuary and Presbytery (the location of the high alter) separated from the secular activities of the Nave by a chancel or rood screen A comparatively recent term arriving from the doctrine of transubstantiation in 1215 which meant the separation of the laity from the mystery of the Eucharist The upkeep and repair of the chancel was the responsibility of the Rector by law
The space around the altar in a church, often enclosed, for use by the clergy and the choir. In medieval cathedrals the chancel was usually enclosed or blocked off from the nave by an altar screen
Literally, the "area behind the screens " The eastern part of the church building where the clergy celebrate the Mass Originally, screens surrounded this area on all four sides, with doors to the north and south (see Presbytery) and in the large screen separating the chancel from the nave