Feast of San Giovanni Climaco

San Giovanni Climaco, ora pro nobis

March 30th is the Feast of St. John Climacus (also known St. John of the Ladder), 6th century Hermit, Ascetic, Monk, and Abbot. At the age of sixteen, he devoted himself to a life of prayer, mortification and solitude as a hermit on Mount Sinai. Revered for his wisdom and holiness, he was elected abbot of the monastery, where he wrote the influential treatise on monastic life, The Ladder of Divine Ascent.

In celebration, I’m posting the prayers to St. John Climacus from Byzantine Catholic Prayer for the Home [link will open PDF file]. They are meant for private use. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy card is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva San Giovanni Climaco!

Troparia
Troparion Tone 4 We find your virtues to be a ladder leading us to heaven, venerable Father John. You have become virtue personified, 0 glorious saint!

Kontakion Tone 4 The Lord has placed you on the pinnacle of chastity, 0 Father John our Guide. Like abrilliant star you shed light on the earth!

Stichera from For a Monk.
Sessional Hymns from the weekday.