Venerable · c. 579–649
John Climacus
Venerable John Climacus of Sinai, Author of “the Ladder”
New Calendar March 30 Old Calendar April 12
Why they are a saint
John Climacus was abbot of Sinai and author of The Ladder of Divine Ascent, the great handbook of monastic struggle. The Fourth Sunday of Lent is dedicated to him. The years given for this life are c. 579–649. The Church honors the monastic struggle in which he finished his life.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Patron of monastics, Great Lent, the ladder of virtues, because he lived the monastic life of prayer and asceticism.
Prayer
O holy John Climacus, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.
Do not confuse with other famous Johns.