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Solea

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

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(σωλέα, σολία ), a part of the church respecting which ecclesiastical writers are not agreed. Latin writers use the word solea. It is supposed to denote certain seats at the entrance of the chancel appropriated to the use of emperors, kings, magistrates, or other persons of distinction. The seats of the inferior clergy and monks are sometimes designated by the same name. According to Walcott (Sacred Archoeol. s.v.) it was the space in. a Greek church between the ambon and sanctuary; in a Latin church between the choir and presbytery. In the basilica it was raised several steps above the ambon and the choir of minor clerks. Here the communion was given to all but the clergy, and subdeacons and readers sat, and the candidate for the priesthood was led from this part to the altar.