St. John Climacus

St. John Climacus, also widely referred to as St. John of the Ladder, is best known for his theological book known as The Ladder of Divine Ascent. The text uses Jacob's ladder as a metaphor for the spiritual life, with each rung on the ladder representing a new virtue gained. The ladder went on to become a popular inspiration for iconography depicting monks ascending a ladder with Jesus at the top welcoming them into eternity. 


Lifetime: ~579 to 649
Region: Modern Syria; Egypt
Patronages: Poets; Vegetarians; Wales
Iconograpy: Monk; Holding crozier; Literal ladder or copy of Ladder of Divine Ascent
Feast Day: March 30

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