John of the Ladder (also known as John Climacus, c. 579–649) was a Byzantine monk, ascetic, and spiritual writer. He lived for many years as a hermit on Mount Sinai and later became abbot of the Monastery of St. Catherine. His most famous work, The Ladder of Divine Ascent (Klimax tou Paradeisou, Latin: Scala Paradisi), established him as one of the most important spiritual teachers of the Eastern Church.
The Ladder of Divine Ascent outlines 30 steps of spiritual ascent toward God — from renouncing the world to attaining perfect love of God. John combines deep psychological insight with practical guidance for the spiritual life, emphasizing asceticism, humility, prayer, and inner stillness.
His work has been deeply revered in the Orthodox monastic tradition and remains a central text in Eastern Christian mysticism. John Climacus is especially honored during Great Lent, with his feast day observed on the fourth Sunday of the Lenten season.
The more rain falls, the more it softens the earth. The more often we call on the name of Christ, undisturbed by any thought, the more fruitful he will make the soil of our hearts, making it tremble with joy and delight.
Johannes von der Leiter says that God first reveals Himself to the spirit, then to the soul, in order to purify the one He loves. Later, He grants him light that makes the spirit clairvoyant and godlike.
© BLI - Thomas Schuh 2025