chancel

thumb|300px|Plan of a large Latin cross church, with the chancel (strict definition) highlighted. This chancel terminates in a semicircular sanctuary in the [[apse, and is separated from the curved walls to the east in the diagram by an ambulatory.]] thumb|300px|Plan with the broader definition of the chancel highlightedthumb|View from the nave of the chancel of Condom Cathedral in France, with ambulatories and two altars, the modern one in the choirthumb|St Peter's, Lilley, Hertfordshire a medium-sized English church showing the nave, chancel arch, and a chancel with choir and sanctuary In church architecture, the chancel is the space around the altar, including the choir and the sanctuary (sometimes called the presbytery), at the liturgical east end of a traditional Christian church building. It may terminate in an apse.

==Overview== The chancel is generally the area used by the clergy and choir during worship, while the congregation is in the nave. Direct access may be provided by a '''priest's door, usually on the south side of the church. This is one definition, sometimes called the "strict" one; in practice in churches where the eastern end contains other elements such as an ambulatory and side chapels, these are also often counted as part of the chancel, especially when discussing architecture. In smaller churches, where the altar is backed by the outside east wall and there is no distinct choir, the chancel and sanctuary may be the same area. In churches with a retroquire area behind the altar, this may only be included in the broader definition of chancel.