April 12 — Ivan the Ladder: history, traditions and signs of the national holiday

Every year on April 12, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. John of the Ladder, an outstanding theologian and philosopher of the VI–VII centuries, the author of the spiritual work "The Ladder". In the folk tradition, this day was named Ivan the Ladder. In 2025, it falls on a Saturday. Read about the history of the holiday, its traditions and folk signs in the Izvestia article. ​

Ivan Lestvichnik – 2025: the history of the holiday

St. John of the Ladder went down in history as the author of the Ladder, one of the most important texts of Christian ascetic literature, which for centuries served as a spiritual guide for many monks. His guide to inner perfection is still considered a classic of theological thought.

John was born in Constantinople around 570 in the family of Saint Xenophon. Having received a brilliant secular education, at the age of 16 he decided to renounce worldly life and took monastic vows on Mount Sinai. His spiritual mentor was one of the most experienced Sinai teachers, the spirit-bearing Abba Martyrius, under whose guidance John proved himself to be a man of rare obedience, diligence and humility.

After the death of the teacher, the saint spent more than 40 years in voluntary silent solitude in the Fola Valley at the foot of Mount Sinai. It was a time of strict fasting, continuous prayer, and physical labor. He hardly slept, tilled the land himself, and continued his spiritual meditations. It was during this period, according to legend, thanks to the prayers of the hermit, the miraculous salvation of his disciple Moses took place, which during his lifetime brought John fame as a seer and wonderworker.

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Later, at the insistence of the brethren, at the age of 75, John of the Ladder was elected abbot of the Sinai Monastery. According to legend, long before the monk became its head, his spiritual destiny was "predicted" by other Christian saints.

Thus, Anastasius the Great, one of the most respected ascetics of his time, named him Abbot of Sinai even before his official appointment. And another hermit, John the Savite, symbolically washed John's feet, as if he had already held this post. These signs were perceived as a harbinger of a special mission prepared from above.

Despite his reluctance to accept the post, John complied, considering his appointment as the fulfillment of God's will. During this period, he completed work on the Ladder, in which he described 30 steps of spiritual ascent — from renunciation of the world to union with God. This work became the spiritual code of Eastern monasticism.

Before his death, John himself appointed a successor, Bishop George, after which he again retired into a silent hermitage and thus ended his earthly life.

What holiday is celebrated in Russia on April 12, 2025

On St. John of the Ladder Memorial Day in Russia, women prepared special pastries — bread in the shape of a ladder. This custom reflected the desire for spiritual ascent described in the famous work of the saint.

First, the housewives baked two long strips of dough, laid them in parallel, and then pies were placed between them, forming a kind of steps. Such "ladders" were distributed to all family members as a talisman against troubles, illnesses and material difficulties.

One of them was specially prepared for the brownie. It was left on a plate next to a cup of milk in a secluded corner of the house, believing that this would provide protection and well-being. The ceremonial pastries were also carried to the church, where they were consecrated with holy water.

Bans on Ivan Lestvichnik Day: what not to do on April 12

In the folk tradition, St. John of the Ladder Memorial Day was associated with the rampant dark forces. People avoided leaving their homes unless absolutely necessary, especially after sunset. The windows in the houses were covered with thick cloth, they tried not to look at them, so as not to attract the attention of evil spirits. For the same reason, dark clothing was prohibited.

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Visits should be avoided on this day, especially for newlyweds, as this could provoke quarrels. It was forbidden to speak loudly, in raised tones, so as not to disturb the brownie. In Russia, it was believed that on April 12, he "rages", so he may not recognize his family and harm them. It was forbidden to slander the neighbors, as the conflict that arose, according to legend, threatened a protracted feud.

It was undesirable to start new businesses or engage in heavy physical labor, as this could lead to setbacks and health problems. ​Also, the ancestors believed that money should not be lent to Ivan the Ladder, as it would be difficult to return it.

Folk signs on the day of Ivan the Ladder

Folk signs on April 12 helped our ancestors predict the weather and harvest. For example, if dandelions were in bloom by this time, they expected a short summer.

Weather events were also judged by the behavior of animals and birds. So, if the cows lifted their heads and noisily sucked in air, it foreshadowed heavy rains. Geese rising high into the sky indicated heavy rains, while low-flying geese indicated light precipitation. ​If the ducks got together in flocks, it was worth expecting frosts.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the history and traditions of the national holiday of Hypatius the Wonderworker.