On March 30, Orthodox believers in Ukraine celebrate the day of memory of St. John the Ladder - one of the most revered saints of the early Christian period. This is a non-passable holiday, which falls on the same date every year. It has a special significance during the Great Lent, because John himself was an example of true asceticism, humility and spiritual upliftment.
Saint John was born in Constantinople and at the age of 16 renounced worldly life and went to Sinai, where he became a monk. Under the guidance of an experienced mentor, Martyrius, he spent about 20 years in study, and later, settling in the desert, he lived there for 40 years in complete solitude, prayer and fasting. John led the life of a hermit, but rumors of his insight, strength of spirit and ability to heal quickly spread far beyond Sinai. People came to him for help, advice and spiritual healing.
At the age of 75, John agreed to head the Sinai monastery, and it was during this period that he wrote his main spiritual work, “The Ladder” or “The Stairs,” in which he described 30 virtues that lead a person to God. This treatise became a table book for monks, priests, and laypeople, and the author himself began to be called the Ladderer from that time on — the one who opened the way to heaven through spiritual self-improvement. Having completed his work, John left the monastery and again retired to the desert, where he retired to eternity.
On the occasion of this holiday, believers remember the life of John as an example of sincere faith, endurance, and spiritual maturity. His day is associated with special traditions and signs. The people call this day Ivan Listvychnyk. People observed nature to predict the weather for the future. For example, if dandelions had already bloomed on this day, it was believed that the summer would be short. If bees began to fly out of the hives, this indicated a warm spring. They also said: if leaves had already appeared on the shore, but not on the alder, the summer promised to be dry. But the prolonged rains on this day were a good sign - they meant a rich harvest of mushrooms in the summer.
In addition to signs, March 30 is associated with certain prohibitions. The Church does not advise quarreling, swearing, insulting others, or refusing help. People should not wear black clothes on this day - they believed that this could bring trouble. It is also better to refrain from heavy physical work, sewing, or knitting.
But the day is considered favorable for prayer, spiritual purification and family affairs. In folk tradition, special cookies in the form of steps were prepared for Listvychnik - “ladders”, which symbolized the path of the human soul from earthly life to the throne of God. The number of “steps” had to correspond to the number of family members. It was believed that if everyone ate one step, they would be healthy all year.
Lent is currently in progress, so even on Sundays you can't eat meat and dairy products. However, the church allows hot food with oil, and St. John the Baptist's Day is exactly the occasion when you can combine moderation in food with gratitude for spiritual gifts.
On this day, birthdays are also remembered. According to the new church style, the day of the angel is celebrated by Ivan and Zakhar. According to the old style, it is celebrated by Oleksiy, Pavla, Viktory, Oleksandra, and Gabriel.
March 30 is not just another date on the church calendar. It is a reminder of the power of faith, the possibility of spiritual growth, and the importance of inner purity. Saint John the Ladder left behind not just a book, but a whole ladder by which everyone can ascend to the light.
