The term “bema” can refer to an altar, a throne, or a platform for delivering religious talks.

1) Altar
A bema used as an altar is a raised platform with various steps. Within the Manichaean Faith the main altar often consists of four steps leading to the top of the platform. The top of the bema is viewed as the fifth step. (See marginal note for Gospel of Mar Mani 38:12)

The term “Bema” is Syriac Aramaic and literally refers to a throne – see 34:3 In a message given by Mir Tarendra, he said, “All three of the groups among God’s People, the Hearers, the Friends of the Light and the Elect, gather around the Bema to hear to Word of Ya [Mar-Yah, Yahweh] because it is from the Bema, which is the Throne of Light in each local assembly of the Maninaye, that the Truth is elucidated, by which the People of Light who reside in the earth are illumined.” The word “Bema” is often used to signify the teaching platform in each assembly of the faithful. This is a lectern or podium from which the Holy Book of Light is read and sermons and lessons are presented to those gathered in each assembly.) — marginal note from the Manichaean Holy Book, Gospel of Mar Mani 38:1

2) Throne
Some congregations within the Religion of Light have one or two thrones dedicated to various Divine Messengers and Celestial Beings such as: The Living Spirit, Christ, the Third Messenger, and Mar Mani. These range from large, formal chairs with intricate decorations and details to simple wooden chairs with a cushion in the seat. These types of bemas represent the authority and the disciple’s obedience and honour of the Messenger. In some congregations the throne may be small or may be represented by an appropriate picture.

3) Lectern
In congregations associated with the Religion of Light within the Syriac or Aramaic traditions, a bema is used to deliver sermons, homilies or Scriptural readings and for the reading of various liturgical texts.

4) Other uses
The term “bema” can be used to describe other concepts as well. For example, the phrase “Bema of Light” can be used to refer to the heavenly Bema of the Third Messenger, the Living Spirit and of the Father of Greatness who is above the heavens and all creation.