| Plan of a large Latin cross church with chancel highlighted | |
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Strict definition Wikimedia Commons | Broader definition Wikimedia Commons |
The presbytery, also known as the sanctuary,[1] is the part of the chancelPart of a church containing the altar, used by the officiating clergy. in a Christian church housing the altar, for the exclusive use of the officiating clergy, and is often raised above floor level.[2]
The term is also applied to the residence of, in particular, Roman Catholic priests.[3]