Thirty Steps to Heaven: The Ladder of Divine Ascent for All Walks of Life

by Vassilios Papavassiliou

Publisher:

Ancient Faith

, 2013

Overview

Many laypeople have attempted to read the great spiritual classic, The Ladder of Divine Ascent, but have been frustrated in attempting to apply the lessons of this monastic text to their everyday lives in the world. In Thirty Steps to Heaven, Archimandrite Vassilios interprets the ladder for the ordinary Christian without sacrificing any of its beauty and power. Now you too can accept the challenge offered by St. John Climacus to ascend closer to God with each passing day.

With Logos Bible Software, this volume is enhanced with cutting-edge research tools. Scripture citations appear on mouseover in your preferred English translation. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Powerful topical searches help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Tablet and mobile apps let you take the discussion with you. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.

Key Features

• Presents a lively interpretation of The Ladder of Divine Ascent
• Makes the great spiritual classic accessible to modern readers
• Shares insights into applying the lessons of this monastic text to everyday life

Contents

• The Break with the World
• The Fundamental Virtues
• The Spiritual Passions
• The Physical Passions
• The Spiritual Passions (Continued)
• The Higher Virtues
• Union with God

Top Highlights

“Christians renounce the world by living for something other than the world. By living thus, we become the light of the world.” (Page 22)

“If you hide the gifts you have been given in order to appear humble, then you are very proud indeed. Wishing to appear humble is the worst form of pride. When we have detached ourselves from our sense of self-importance, then we are free to make use of our talents without fear of sin. Therein lies the freedom of detachment and exile.” (Page 32)

“Many people, monastics and laypeople alike, may not realize it, but marriage and monasticism have a good deal in common. Both are lifelong commitments to something apart from ourselves. Both require the same sacrifice of the will. Both are means of mastering the passions and are paths to holiness and salvation.” (Page 27)

“Not everyone can achieve dispassion. But all can be saved and can be reconciled to God. Falling and getting up again, starting over—this is what repentance and Christian devotion are all about.” (Page 15)

“If the monastery is the arena for the spiritual training (ascesis) of the monk, then the home, the family, the workplace, the busy urban street are the arenas for those in the world. We must choose the way of life that is most conducive to our spiritual progress.” (Page 24)

Product Details

• Title: Thirty Steps to Heaven: The Ladder of Divine Ascent for All Walks of Life
• Author: Vassilios Papavassiliou
• Publisher: Ancient Faith
• Print Publication Date: 2013
• Logos Release Date: 2015
• Pages: 256
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: John, Climacus, Saint, active 6th century. Scala Paradisi; Spiritual life › Orthodox Eastern Church
• ISBNs: 9781936270897, 1936270897
• Resource ID: LLS:THRTYSTPSWLKSLF
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-25T21:01:50Z

About Vassilios Papavassiliou

Archimandrite Vassilios Papavassiliou is a priest of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain. He was born in London in 1977 and holds degrees in pastoral and social theology, classics, and Byzantine music. He is the author of Meditations for Great Lent, Meditations for Advent, Thirty Steps to Heaven, and Journey to the Kingdom: An Insider’s Look at the Liturgy and Beliefs of the Eastern Orthodox Church and numerous articles on Christian Orthodox faith and theology.