The Ladder

John Climacus, late 6th – early 7th century, was the abbot of Mount Sinai Monastery, a philosopher, Christian theologian, and canonized by the Orthodox Church as a saint. The Ladder is the main work of John Climacus, created in the late 6th century at the request of the abbot of the Raifa Monastery on Mount Sinai. The image of the Ladder is borrowed from the Bible, where the vision of the ladder from Jacob's dream is described, on which angels ascend. The composition of John Climacus consists of 30 chapters, representing the steps of virtues that a Christian must take to attain spiritual perfection, and it is still recommended for believers to read, especially during Great Lent.