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I have added small attribute for basilica in the bracket, pointing that Basilica is Early Christian Church building
Churches have been built in a variety of shapes. The usual local Orthodox [[parish]] church is a rectangular building. At one end, by tradition facing east, is the [[bema]] with the [[altar]] located on it. This area is usually separated from the nave by an altar screen ([[iconostasis]]) and/or chancel rail. Behind this separation is the altar table. By ancient tradition the nave may have benches lining the walls, but otherwise the church is without seats or chairs. At the west end there may be a room running the width of the church called the [[narthex]]. The narthex is separated from the nave by a wall with doors through which the congregations can enter the nave.
Other common styles of architecture for churches including [[basilicaBasilica]]s (Early Christian Church buildings with side aisles to the nave), octagonal shapes, square buildings, circular buildings, and buildings in the form of a cross. To create a high vaulted ceiling many churches have domed ceilings and may have bell towers either as part of the main building or separate free standing structures.
In time, churches that were the [[bishop]]'s church came to be called [[cathedral]]s, named after the bishop's seat, called the [[cathedra]].
