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Ioann LestvichnikChristian theologian, Byzantine philosopher, abbot of the Sinai monastery.
Country:
 Egypt |
Content:
Biography of John Climacus
John Climacus was a Christian theologian, Byzantine philosopher, and the abbot of the Monastery of Sinai. He is revered as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church (in the likeness of a venerable one, commemorated on the fourth Sunday of Great Lent and on March 30th according to the Julian calendar) and the Catholic Church (commemorated on March 30th).
Early Life and Monastic Journey
John was born in Constantinople and received a good education in his youth. At the age of 16, he moved to Mount Sinai in Egypt and dedicated himself to the obedience of the elder Martyrios. After four years of obedience, he took monastic vows. Following the death of Elder Martyrios, under whom John lived for about 19 years, the saint chose a hermit's life and spent another 40 years in the desert of Thola.
Abbot of Sinai
At the age of 75, John Climacus was chosen by the brotherhood as the abbot of the Sinai Monastery and governed the monastery for four years. According to some sources, he passed away in 649 at the age of 80. The location of John's relics is unknown.
Contributions and Writings
John Climacus accumulated spiritual and ascetic traditions of Egyptian monasteries. He is the author of "The Ladder of Divine Ascent" (also known as "The Ladder" or "The Divine Ascent") - a book written in the mid-6th century at the request of John, the abbot of the Raithu Monastery. The book serves as a guide to moral self-improvement. Its title is derived from the biblical story of Jacob's ladder, on which angels ascend and descend (Genesis 28:12). "The Ladder" belongs to the genre of ascetic literature. John also wrote a book called "To the Shepherd" which discusses the duties of spiritual shepherds. His works are included in the 88th volume of Patrologia Graeca.
