Saint Of The Day – Saint John Climacus, Abbot Of Sinai – March 30
A Byzantine monk. Extraordinary in arts and science. Author of a book on ascetical and mystical life. Revered as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. Feast day – 30 March.
St. John Climacus was born around the year 525 in Palestine. At the age of 16, John came to the monastery on Mount Sinai and became a novice. He died in 649 he was the monastery’s abbot.
At the monastery he was taught about the spiritual life by the more senior monk, Martyrius. After the death of Martyrius, John, wishing to practice greater asceticism, withdrew to a hermitage at the foot of the mountain. In this isolation he lived for some twenty years, constantly studying the lives of the saints and thus becoming one of the most learned Church Fathers.
He wrote a number of instructive books, the most famous of which is The Ladder of Divine Ascent. It is because of this book that John is known as “Climacus,” which in Greek means “the scale”/κλίμακος.
In this book he describes how to raise one’s soul to God, as if on a ladder. Originally written simply for the monks, this book became one of the most widely read among Eastern Orthodox Christians, especially during the season of Great Lent.
One of St John Climacus’ inventions in the Ladder is the ascetic practice of carrying a small notebook to record the monk’s thoughts during contemplation.
Many churches are dedicated to St John Climacus in Russia, including a church and belltower in the Moscow Kremlin.
“Do not be surprised that you fall every day; do not give up, but stand your ground courageously. And assuredly, the angel who guards you will honour your patience.” – St John Climacus, “The Ladder of Divine Ascent”
Iconology. Attributes – Dressed like a monk, sometimes carrying a ceremonial staff, sometimes holding a copy of his Ladder
