Sunday of St. John Climacus

Icon of the Ladder of Divine Ascent

The Sunday of St. St John of the Ladder (Climacus) is the fourth Sunday of Great Lent. It commemorates St John Climacus (+649), the author of the work The Ladder of Divine Ascent.

Spiritual theme

Each of the Sundays of Great Lent has a special theme. This Sunday’s theme is St John’s witness to the real spiritual struggle needed for entrance into God's Kingdom. It also is encouragement for the faithful to keep the goal of their Lenten efforts, for according to the Lord, only "he who endures to the end will be saved" (Mt 24:13).

Hymns

Troparion (Tone 1)

Dweller of the desert and angel in the body,

You were shown to be a wonder-worker, our God-bearing Father John.

You received heavenly gifts through fasting, vigil, and prayer:

Healing the sick and the souls of those drawn to you by faith.

Glory to Him who gave you strength!

Glory to Him who granted you a crown!

Glory to Him who through you grants healing to all!

Kontakion (Tone 4)

The Lord truly set you on the heights of abstinence,

To be a guiding star, showing the way to the universe,

O our Father and Teacher John.