LADDER OF VICTORY Today, on the fourth Sunday of Lent, we commemorate one of the most revered ancient saints, the Venerable John Climacus. He wrote The Ladder of Divine Ascent, a great work of Christian teachings, where each of its 30 chapters represents a step of virtue leading to the Kingdom of Heaven. Since the 12th century, The Ladder of Divine Ascent has been one of the most beloved spiritual books in Russia. Many Russian saints referred to it as a spiritual sword in the battle against passions, teaching that victory over them is the foundation of all triumphs. It is no coincidence that the rise of Moscow—the "Third Rome"—in the early 16th century was marked by the construction of the famous Ivan the Great Bell Tower in the Kremlin, dedicated to St. John Climacus. As The Ladder of Divine Ascent itself declares: "Strike down your adversaries with the Name of Jesus, for there is no stronger weapon in Heaven or on earth." I encourage all Orthodox Christians today to open this sac