The fourth Sunday of the Fast is dedicated to the memory of Saint John, Abbot of Sinai and author of The Ladder of Divine Ascent. On this day, four of us set out to celebrate the Divine Liturgy in the small chapel below his cave.
We began to descend into the valley at the first light of day.
It had rained the previous day, and at one point we had to step across a swiftly flowing stream.
The white dome of the chapel visible for the first time in the distance.
As we reached the chapel, a ray of sunlight shone through the clouds on the mountain behind the chapel.
The cave of Saint John Climacus.
Wildflowers were blooming in the area. These were the first flowers of springtime.
Beautiful.
Thank you for taking pictures so that we could share a little bit of this experience.
What is it like . . . to walk in the footsteps of St. John Climacus?
On the fourth Sunday of the Fast, every Orthodox church celebrates the memory of Saint John Climacus. We were at the cave where he lived for forty years, during which time he became known as an experienced spiritual guide. The landscape cannot have changed very much from that time. How much more is it incumbent upon us to make the same spiritual ascents that he described?
Thank you Father. The perfect response to my question.
Thank you Father Justin. Once again you help us remember our spiritual heritage. The family loved the photos.
I feel a nostalgia, remembering the times when I was there!
Thanks a lot dear father Justin for all the photographs you share with us. They evoke the atmosphere of the place!