The Greek word αναβαίνω ( anabainō ) means “to ascend,” that is because the pulpit is higher above the nave so the bishop or the priest ascends to deliver the sermon. In most designs, the pulpit rests on twelve pillars representing the twelve disciples. It is made of marble, stone, or wood and decorated with icons of saints. David the prophet referred to it thus: “Oh that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness … Let them exalt Him also in the assembly of the people” (Ps. 107:31). In the fifth century B. C., Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden pulpit to address the people, then he blessed God and read from the Holy Scriptures and explained them (Neh. 8:4). The pulpit also symbolizes the stone that was on the Lord’s tomb, the mountain on which Moses was given the Law, and the mountain where Christ (the Word of God) was transfigured in front of His disciples.