presbytery

In Christian churches, the presbyteral space is the area around the high altar where the presbyters take their places to worship. This space is located at the end of the nave, ends with the apse and contains the altar. The presbytery is reserved for the clergy and deacons, and in some cases is located in a higher position than the nave, with access via steps, or separated from the rest of the nave by balustrades, transennas or plutei.