''Synthronon'' ( el, σύνθρονον; plural: σύνθρονα, ''synthrona'') is a semicircular tiered structure at the back of the altar in the liturgical apse of an Eastern Orthodox church that combines benches reserved for the clergy, with the bishop's throne in the centre. The term is known from at least the 5th century. Some of the well-preserved ''synthrona'' exist in the 6th-century Byzantine churches of Saint Irene and

Saint Euphemia Euphemia ( el, Εὐφημία; "well-spoken f), known as the All-praised in the Eastern Orthodox Church, was a virgin, who was martyred for her faith at Chalcedon in 303 AD. According to tradition, Euphemia was arrested for refusing to of ...

in Constantinople. These structures were high enough to allow a space for a passage underneath and along the apse wall. According to the 8th-century Pseudo-Germanos, the bishop's ascent to the ''synthronon'' symbolized both Christ's sacrifice and subsequent glory, while the hierarch seated on the throne and flanked by the clergy represented Christ among his disciples.

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Greek words and phrases Byzantine sacred architecture Eastern Christian liturgy Thrones {{Church-architecture-stub