Eagle Rug - Special Form

Special Form

Before his Consecration, a bishop-elect will be led onto a very large eagle rug, used specifically for this purpose, as the Consecrating Bishops examine him regarding his faith. During this examination, he holds in his hands his written confession of faith. He says the Nicene Creed as he stands on the portion of the eagle rug depicting the tail of the eagle. He is then led to the center of the eagle rug to make a more thorough explanation of the Orthodoxy of his Faith regarding Trinitarian theology, Christology and Sacred Tradition. He is then led to the portion of the eagle rug depicting the head of the eagle, and vows to follow the Sacred Canons and teachings of the Church, to preserve the peace of the Church, and to faithfully and zealously fulfill the obligations of the Episcopate. He then hands the hands of the consecrating bishops and hands them his written confession of faith. Only after this, may the Consecration proceed.