“You wish, or rather, have decided, to remove a splinter from someone? Very well, but do not go after it with a stick instead of a lancet for you will only drive it deeper. Rough speech and harsh gestures are the stick, while even-tempered instruction and patient reprimand are the lancet. 'Reprove, rebuke, exhort,' says the Apostle (II Tim. 4:2), not 'batter'.”
John Climacus, also known as Saint John of Sinai, was a prominent figure in the early Christian monastic tradition. His writings, preserved in this collection, are considered foundational texts for understanding the spiritual journey. The Ladder of Divine Ascent is particularly influential, providing a step-by-step guide for monks and laypeople seeking spiritual growth and enlightenment. This volume offers a scholarly translation of Climacus's works, making them accessible to contemporary readers. more
John Climacus (525-606), a renowned saint, had a profound impact on Eastern Orthodox Christianity through his life and writings. His work, 'The Ladder of Divine Ascent,' has been a significant guide for monks and nuns in the Orthodox tradition. more