Sermon

A sermon is an oration, usually given by a member of the clergy, that preaches and teaches Christianity. Sermons are usually, but not always, delivered in a church. Most churches have a pulpit or an ambo, an elevated architectural feature from which sermons are given. Sermons are occasionally known as homilies, especially in Roman Catholicism and similar traditions.

Perhaps the most famous sermon in history was the Sermon on the Mount given by Jesus Christ. Throughout the history of Christianity there have been preachers noted for their sermons. Some of these include:

• St Stephen
• Tertullian
• St John Chrysostom
• St Gregory Nazianzus
• St Dominic
• St Francis of Assisi
• Lancelot Andrewes
• John Donne
• Jeremy Taylor
• Jacques-Benigne Bossuet
• John Wesley
• Jonathan Edwards
• Charles Spurgeon
• Billy Sunday
• Aimee Semple McPherson
• Billy Graham

Many sermons have been written down, collected and published. Such sermons include John Wesley's 53 Standard Sermons, John Chrysostom's Homily on the Resurrection (preached every Easter in Orthodox churches) and Gregory Nazianzus' homily "On the Theophany, or Birthday of Christ" (preached every Christmas in Orthodox churches), and "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" by Jonathan Edwards.