Interfaith Days: Sunday of St. John Climacus

Today is the FIfth Sunday of Lent. Until the late 1950s, the day was known as Passion Sunday in the Catholic Church and was the beginning of the two-week Passiontide. Passiontide is still observed in many churches. The Gospel lesson today is John 12:20-33.

http://www.pravoslavie.ru/
english/45797.htm

Today is also the Fourth Sunday of Lent in Orthodox Churches. The day honors St John of the Ladder (Climacus), who wrote The Ladder of Divine Ascent. The book became a popular guide to spiritual growth and perfection. This site indicates that John, who was the "abbot of St 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). Saint 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)." This site provides more information about him and the day.