antiquity, denotes a step or pace. The bema made a kind of itinerary measure among the Greeks, the length of which was equivalent to one cubit and two thirds, or to ten palms. Whence also the term bema, to measure a road.

ecclesiastical writers, denotes the altar or sanctuary in the ancient churches. In which sense bema made the third or innermost part of the church, answering to the chancel among us.

Bema was also used for the bishop's chair, seat, or throne, placed in the sanctuary. It was called bema from the steps by which it was to be ascended.

Bema was also used for the reader's desk. This in the Greek church was denominated βημα γραφειον, in the Latin church ambo.

Bema is more peculiarly used for the Manichees altar, which was in a different place from that of the Catholics.

Bema was also a denomination given by this sect to the anniversary of the day when Manes was killed, which with them was a solemn feast and day of rejoicing. One of the chief ceremonies of the feast consisted in setting out and adorning their bema or altar with great magnificence.