Chancel facts for kids
The chancel is a special part of many churches. It is like a separate area near the front of the church. This area is usually for the clergy (priests and church leaders). It helps separate them from the regular churchgoers.
Other church parts that have a similar job include the rood screen. This is a screen that separates the chancel. The Iconostasis is another type of chancel. It is very decorated and used in Eastern Orthodox churches.
In many churches, especially Roman Catholic ones, the chancel is where people receive communion. This is when they receive the bread and wine. For Catholics, they believe the bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus. This belief is called transubstantiation.
The main altar of the church is usually found in the chancel area. A long time ago, in 1215, a big meeting called the Fourth Lateran Council made rules. These rules said that the chancel area should be kept separate from the public.
Images for kids
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Iron entry gates to the chancel at the Church of the Good Shepherd (Rosemont, Pennsylvania) in the USA. These were designed by the master blacksmith Samuel Yellin.
See also
In Spanish: Cancel para niños
