Re: Re: reorganisation and destruction of irish catholic churches

The ambo in the Cathedral of Ravello dating from the 11th. century.

Here we see the classical ambo with two flights of steps: one facing east by which teh deeacon reading the Gospel ascends when bringing the Book of Gospels from the altar; the other facing west by which he leaves having chanted the Gospel.

The inlay figures depict (on the right hand side) the sea monster swollowing Jonnah; and on the left, the same monster spitting him out of his mouth – a classical reference to teh resurrection and often found in the catacombs. Two peacocks are also to be seen just underneath the ambo proper. These symbolize eternal life and are often found in very early Christian iconography.