A portrait of St. John Climacus
St. John Climacus
c. 579 – c. 649
Feast
March 30 · VII c.
Patron of
Monks · Spiritual writers · Ascetics
Order
Abbot
Sinai abbot and spiritual writer (c. 579-c. 649), monk at Sinai from age sixteen, hermit at Tholas, abbot of the Sinai monastery in old age. Author of the "Ladder of Divine Ascent" (Klimax tou paradeisou), the foundational treatise on Eastern monastic spirituality, read in the refectories of Greek monasteries during Lent.
Life & Times
Born: c. 579 · Died: c. 649 · From: Syria / Sinai.
Patronage
St. John Climacus is invoked as the patron of monks, spiritual writers, ascetics. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“A monk's true rest is the work of his hands.”— The Ladder of Divine Ascent (c. 600 AD)
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. John Climacus, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.