In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit

Dear Brothers and Sisters, Welcome!

Our site features articles in Russian and English on the Holy Orthodox Faith along with audio and video presentations, chronicling the life of our parish - the only church community in the United States founded in 1949 by St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco. All of the original articles and most videos on this site are property of our parish and may be freely used to the glory of God with permission.

Pastoral word

ST. JOHN OF THE LADDER (CLIMACUS)

St. John Climacus is honored by the Church as a great ascetic and as the author of a remarkable work entitled, The Ladder of Divine Ascent, and therefore he has been named “Climacus,” or “of the Ladder.”

 

There has been very little information preserved about his origin. Tradition tells us that he was born in around the year 570, and was the son of Sts. Xenophon and Maria, who are commemorated on January 26/February 28. St. John came to the monastery on Mt....

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