The raised area of a Byzantine-style church where the altar is located.
(often seen as Ieron Bema, i.e. Holy Bema) the inner sanctuary of a church, situated normally on the eastern end of the building.
Although the name originates from the ancient Greek word for sanctuary, the "big, empty meeting area" is known to most students as the Bema, the site for goofy pre-freshman trip bonding activities.
(Gr., Raised step, tribune): area of the church containing the altar.