On the fourth Sunday of Lent, which as I am writing this happened last week, the Orthodox Church remembers St. John Climacus, also known as St. John of the Ladder.
Here's what the OCA website says about this Sunday:
"The Fourth Sunday of Lent is dedicated to Saint John of the Ladder (Climacus), the author of the work, The Ladder of Divine Ascent. The abbot of Saint Catherine's Monastery on Mount Sinai (6th century) stands as a witness to the violent effort needed for entrance into God's Kingdom (Mt 10: 12). The spiritual struggle of the Christian life is a real one, "not against flesh and blood, but against . . . the rulers of the present darkness . . . the hosts of wickedness in heavenly places . . ." (Eph 6.12). St John encourages the faithful in their efforts for, according to the Lord, only "he who endures to the end will be saved" (Mt 24.13)."
And here are the readings for this Sunday:
Hebrews 6:13-20 (Epistle)
Mark 9:17-31 (Gospel)
What is the Ladder of Divine Ascent, by the way? According to orthodoxwiki.org: "The Ladder of Divine Ascent is an ascetical treatise on avoiding vice and practicing virtue so that at the end, salvation can be obtained."
Here are some good Youtube videos to watch!
Blessed Lent!
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