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THE LADDER OF DIVINE ASCENT

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At a glance

Condition
New
Dimensions
6.69 x 0.47 x 9.61 in
Weight
15.5 oz
Publisher
Independently published
Publication date
July 26, 2019
Language
English
Print length
185 pages

Description

A timeless masterpiece of Christian spirituality – the path to inner transformationThe Ladder of Divine Ascent by St. John of the Ladder (John Climacus) stands among the most profound spiritual works of the Christian tradition. For centuries, it has guided monks and laypeople alike along a structured path toward union with God.In 30 “steps,” the holy author describes the ascent of the soul—from renunciation of worldly attachments to the fullness of divine love and spiritual perfection. Each step is both a challenge and an invitation: a call to purification of the heart and renewal of the inner life.The translation by Archimandrite Lazarus Moore preserves the depth, clarity, and spiritual power of this remarkable work, making it accessible to modern readers while remaining faithful to its original spirit. Why read this book?One of the most important works of Orthodox spiritualityPractical guidance for spiritual growth and inner struggleTimeless wisdom on passions, virtues, and prayerA clear and structured path in 30 stepsIdeal for readers of spiritual and theological literature Who is this book for?Christians seeking to deepen their spiritual lifeReaders of the Church Fathers and desert traditionAnyone exploring asceticism, repentance, and spiritual maturitySeekers looking for authentic spiritual depth A spiritual work for our timeThough written in the 7th century, this work speaks with remarkable clarity to the challenges of the modern world. It reveals that the true struggle is not external, but within the human heart.This edition is among the most widely chosen and circulated versions of this spiritual work, reflecting the care, dedication, and seriousness with which it has been prepared and presented.The Ladder of Divine Ascent is not an easy book—but it is one that can transform a life. Read more

Specs 8

Publisher Independently published
Publication date July 26, 2019
Language English
Print length 185 pages
ISBN-10 179563524X
ISBN-13 40
Item Weight 15.5 ounces
Dimensions 6.69 x 0.47 x 9.61 inches

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Top Amazon Reviews


An Eritrean Oriental Orthodox Tewahedo Nun's Comments
Format: Kindle
For 28 years I served (with a lowercase "s" ) alongside my Eastern Orthodox husband/Archpriest, who reposed in 2018. Now as a Tewahedo Hermitess, with access to the world rather than strict enclosure inside the monastery, little father John Climacus' book serves as a helpful reference guide to me to determine how Eastern (communion) coenobitic monks during post-Chalcedonian Schizm tried to refine and perfect the more ancient Syriac strivings of stages of spiritual perfection started first by the "Sons and Daughters of the Covenant" transformed into a "narrow path to salvation" inside tonsured communities. While we do not use little father John's book as a key "focal point" in our Oriental Churches, it is important to preserve this copy - true to its original content - like all watershed moments in Orthodox Church History, and investigate if there are living parallels of little Father John's system used by Oriental monasteries, written by their respective Hegumens, within the same relevant time period. I am guessing there are probably so, because what Christ truly teaches and inspires, He never usually leaves to one person alone. "Where 2 or 3 are gathered together in My Name, there Am I in the midst of them" is the Peace of the Apostolic covenant of Christ, among the Churches founded by His 12 Apostles - a Peace and a symmetry that still can be found despite the heartbreaking misinformation, bias, and (in some spots of the world) bitter kernels of monastically - engendered hatred towards reunification of Eastern and Oriental communities into one, whole, functional and understood Church. He who has ears, let him hear (and examine)! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2025 by Niqola Hegyal

Great classic
Format: Paperback
A wonderful classic for the Orthodox faith.
Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2026 by Andrew Johnson

Excellent Guide for the Soul and the Spiritual Journey
This book was one that I somehow decided upon--seemed like divine providence. For the book ended up being quite pivotal for this point in my spiritual journey. I found it very readable, loved Climacus' to-the-point style but with yet eloquent presentation. A friend who is 87 and reads books with me, across the miles, loved this book, also. It is a kind of a guidebook for the soul, step by step. The translation is excellent; the introduction quite helpful, too. I bought the book used online, and rather than resell it, this book is definitely staying in my possession so that I can refer back to it. Excellent! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2015 by RE Pence

Great spiritual guide
It’s a fairly confusing book if you don’t know a lot about the Orthodox Church. But for anyone with enough patience to want to learn how to grow spiritually this is perfect.
Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2025 by Cardmaniac

The Essential Work Other Than the Bible for Orthodox Christians
Format: Kindle
I just finished reading The Ladder for the fourth time. I read it every Great Lent before our Sunday of St. John Climacus. It is stern and austere being written for monks, but glorious in the lessons it provides for those of us not monastics. It is a roadmap to a Christian life, challenging and aspirational, inspiring and humbling. I learn something new with each reading, and my faith deepens. But been non-Christian readers can profit from this, as it is a great meditation on a life well loved, and an excellent depiction of the essence of a dedicated Christian life. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2025 by Akamai Okole

Will lead you on the good path
Format: Paperback
I’ve barely made my way through the rungs of the ladder, but this book is definitely one of the greater books I’ve read, however I will say that people are right when they say this specific copy has a quite a few spelling errors, but I’m personally able to manage it well. I must warn you though, THIS IS NOT A LIGHT READ, if you’re looking for something simple to learn from, look elsewhere. This book isn’t an easy pill to swallow if you’re not open minded and at least somewhat familiar with the theology of the early church fathers, however if you are, I highly recommend you give this a read if you haven’t already. Once again, a fantastic read, but read at your own discretion. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2022 by Ethan Haddad

Buy it!!!
Format: Paperback
Wonderful book. Great presentation you should absolutely buy and read this work!
Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2026 by Luke Allen

Amazing Book for anyone interested in walking the spiritual walk, and not just talking about it!
Format: Paperback
St. John Climacus explains the path to Unity with God's Love, in a similar, yet different way that St. John of the Cross does. Both are Blessed Saints, there to help those of us, who are struggling on the path to purify our souls. An example from Step 7 On Mourning which causes Joy # 56 - Tears over our departure (from what is a comfortable place for us) produce fear; and when fear begets fearlessness, joy dawns. And when joy is unfailingly obtained, holy love bursts into flower. This book has no shortage of steps that lead to our goal! A great book for a serious student, but there are nuggets of wisdom, that anyone can benefit from. There are short wisdoms of a few sentences, but there are some that are longer stories also. Anyone of them can also be used as book for a daily contemplation or reflection. I highly recommend it!!!! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2020 by DandelionRose
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