climacus

Climacus is the Latinized form of Ioannes Klimakos, commonly known in English as John Climacus, a monk of the early Byzantine era (traditionally dated to the 7th century). The epithet derives from the Greek klimakos, meaning “of the ladder,” and is preserved in Latin sources as Climatus or Climacus. He is traditionally associated with monastic life in the Byzantine world, though precise biographical details are uncertain.

Climacus is best known for The Ladder of Divine Ascents (Scala Paradisi), a spiritual manual long regarded as a foundational text of Eastern Christian asceticism. The work is organized around thirty steps, each describing a virtue to acquire or a vice to overcome, guiding the reader toward purification, contemplative prayer, and union with God. It blends practical counsels, Scriptural reflections, and monastic wisdom, and has been influential in both Western and Eastern Christian spirituality. It is often cited for its emphasis on humility, obedience, prayer, and discernment.

Influence: The Ladder enjoyed wide readership across denominations and centuries. It shaped monastic rule books, guided retreats, and devotional literature. It was translated into many languages and remained a standard reference in Orthodox catechesis and Western Christian spirituality, continuing to be cited in modern contemplative writings.

Commemoration: In Orthodox calendars, the feast of Saint John Climacus is observed on March 30. In Catholic and other Western calendars he is recognized as a saint and as the author of a key ascetic treatise.