Saint John Climacus is believed to be a 7th century saint as exact details about his life are unavailable. He came to the Vatos Monastery at Mount Sinai, now Saint Catherine's Monastery and became a novice when he was about 16 years old. He was taught about spiritual life by the elder monk Martyrius. After the death of Martyrius, John withdrew to a hermitage at the foot of the mountain to practice greater asceticism. He lived there in isolation for about twenty years, constantly studying the lives of saints and thus becoming one of the most learned Church Fathers.
When he was about 65 years of age, the monks of Sinai persuaded him to become head of the monastery. John discharged his duties as Abbot with the greatest wisdom and his reputation spread so far that, according to his biography, Pope Gregory the Great wrote to recommend himself to his prayers and sent him a sum of money for the hospital of Sinai.
‘Scala Paradisi’ (Ladder of Divine Ascent) and ‘Liber ad Pastorem’ (To the Pastor) are the two known literary out-puts of John. ‘The Ladder’ describes how to raise one's soul and body to God through the acquisition of ascetic virtues. John uses the analogy of Jacob's Ladder as the framework for his spiritual teaching.
Originally written for the monks of a neighbouring monastery, 'The Ladder' swiftly became one of the most popular and much-beloved books of Byzantine spirituality. This book is widely read among Orthodox Christians, especially during the season of Great Lent which immediately precedes Pascha (Easter).
Saint John's feast day is on March 30th in both the East and West. The Eastern Orthodox and the Byzantine Catholic Churches additionally commemorate him on the Fourth Sunday of Great Lent. Many churches are dedicated to him in Russia, including a church and bell tower in the Moscow Kremlin.
Other Saints of the Day
1. Saint Marie-Nicolas-Antoine Daveluy
2. Saint Pierre Aumaître
3. Saint Ludovico of Casoria
4. Saint Iosephus Chang Chu-gi
5. Saint Secundus of Asti
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