In Orthodox funeral practice, the Solea refers to which of these?

• A. Solea
• B. Three short services or blessings
• C. Royal Doors
• D. Parastas

Answer: (A)

Solea is a physical space inside an Orthodox church. It refers to the raised platform or pavement area that sits between the nave and the sanctuary, in front of the iconostasis. It’s the area used for liturgical actions and processions by the clergy, and in funeral settings it becomes the focal spot where prayers and rites are performed and where participants gather. Because Solea names a part of the church itself, it’s the best answer to identify what Solea refers to. The other options describe rites or components of the church’s architecture (such as the doors in the iconostasis) rather than the space itself.