Page "High place" Paragraph 9

In the Eastern Orthodox Church the High Place is the name used for the location of the cathedra ( episcopal throne ), set in the center of the apse of a temple's sanctuary, behind the Holy Table ( altar ).

In larger temples there may be a literal elevation, but there is often not room for this in smaller temples.

The cathedra is surrounded on both sides by the synthronos, a set of other seats or benches for the use of the priests.

Every Orthodox temple has such a High Place even if it is not a cathedral.