Talk:Apse

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There is a slight confusion of terminology in the header section of this article. The typical dome of a cathedral or temple is hemispherical, or half a sphere, as in the seminal example of the Pantheon. The vault of an apse, however, is half a dome or a quarter of a sphere. The correct term for it is therefore "quarter-spherical" or "quadrispherical" rather than "hemispherical" (as used twice in this article). Perhaps these are a bit awkward and the term "half-dome" would be more comprehensible. But "hemispherical" is incorrect as used.

I also note that the apse itself is semi-cylindrical with a semi-circular floor section.

[edit] Parts of the Apse

I question whether the chancel is actually part of the apse. From my understanding, the apse is only the very back, rounded part of the sanctuary; while the chancel is the part of the choir near the altar. All of the components mentioned in this article (apse, chancel, presbytery, etc.) are parts of the sanctuary. Not all sanctuaries have apses; in the West the custom developed of having a flat santuary wall to the east, whereas in the East the eastern wall of the sanctuary continued frequently to be a rounded apse. MishaPan 18:12, 22 April 2007 (UTC)

If all this material were drawn together— encyclopedia-thinking— rather than divided up and separately treated— dictionary-thinking— under what heading would a normal, moderately educated reader look for it first? --Wetman 18:44, 22 April 2007 (UTC)
The term "chancel" redirects here. I do not think that is correct. There is perhaps some confusion regarding the term "sanctuary," which seems to be the umbrella term that ought to be used here. In protestant churches, they use the term "chancel" to refer to what the Catholic and Orthodox churches call the sanctuary. In my opinion, the articles for Sanctuary and Apse need to be reconciled. I think chancel and and apse should redirect to sanctuary, as it appears they are both components of the sanctuary. There may be some differences in architectural usage versus liturgical usage versus colloquial usage. The article on Nave includes an example of a long nave that it says includes the choir—but the Choir is a part of the sanctuary, and by definition is not part of the nave, even in churches with a lengthy choir (e.g., Westminster Abbey). I would reconcile all this myself, but can't find a good source to explain it. These articles don't seem to be categorized consistently in the Church Architecture Category; nor is the Commons category Church elements anything like comprehensive. Other relevant articles (or sections of articles) include Cathedral architecture of Western Europe, Cathedral Architecture - Development of the Eastern End in England and France, and Cathedral diagram. I can't even find a floorplan with labels in English. Where can I find an expert in this subject? Laura1822 19:03, 17 June 2007 (UTC)

An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church (Church Publishing Incorporated, New York, ISBN: 978-0-89869-211-2) gives the following definitions:

  • Apse Semicircular or polyhedral construction at the end of the chancel, containing the altar and sanctuary, and roofed with a half dome. The apse was a standard feature of the architecture of the early church.
  • Chancel Area of the church set apart for the altar, lectern, pulpit, credence table, and seats for officiating and assisting ministers. It may also include the choir. The chancel is typically raised somewhat above the level of the nave, where the congregation gathers. The chancel may be separated from the nave by a low screen, rail, or open space. In some churches, the congregation may gather on three sides or in a semicircle around the chancel.
  • Sanctuary 1) Holy place, usually the worship space of a church. Sanctuary may mean the area around the altar, especially in liturgical churches. It may be separated from the rest of the church by an altar rail. It may refer to the entire chancel area, including the choir and/or the space reserved for the clergy. It may also refer to the entire interior of the church where worship takes place. 2) Historically, a sanctuary would be a place of safe refuge for criminals or fugitives. This is also known as the right of sanctuary. It is based on the understanding that holy places such as churches are not subject to the powers of this world. In modern times, churches have provided sanctuary for refugees and illegal aliens. The right of sanctuary in cities of refuge was available in OT times for one who killed a person without intent (Nm 35:9-15; Ex 21:13).

MishaPan 22:21, 17 June 2007 (UTC)

I have removed the Chancel section from here and incorporated it into Chancel, which I've converted from a redirect. Feel free to make lots of improvements to it (and provide a picture). --GuillaumeTell 21:28, 1 August 2007 (UTC)