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.
Life
Saint John is called Climacus ('of the Ladder') after his book 'The Ladder'. Little is known of his origins; one tradition says he was born in Constantinople about 570. At sixteen he went to Sinai under Abba Martyrius and was tonsured four years later. After Martyrius died he lived forty years in solitude at Thola, in silence, fasting, prayer and tears of repentance.
At seventy-five he was chosen igumen of Sinai and governed the monastery for four years. At the request of Saint John, igumen of Raithu, he wrote 'The Ladder', a guide that rises step by step toward spiritual perfection. He is also commemorated on the fourth Sunday of Great Lent.
Sources: OCA Lives of the Saints. Retold in our own words.
Traditional patronage
The cited source names no specific patronage.
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.