Eagle rug

An Eagle rug (Greek αετός, aëtos; Church-Slavonic орлецъ, orlets) is a small rug, usually round, upon which Byzantine Rite bishops stand during divine liturgy and other services.

The Orlets ("Eaglet") is a small round or oval rug, whereon is represented an eagle, with a glory around his head, flying above a city.

During divine service, the bishop stands on such rugs, as a reminder that he should, by his teaching and his life, rise above his flock, and be to them an example of a soul aspiring from the things of earth to those of heaven.

The walled city represents the bishop's episcopal authority over his Diocese, and his defence of the faithful in it.

"[3] Any time a bishop is present in the church, or functioning at some service outdoors—whether vested and serving or whether simply wearing the mantle—he stands on an eagle rug.