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.