The Paradise Ladder of John Climacus. Wooden orthodox icon

Wodden Saint Ladder Paradise icon

This is an unusual, theological and symbolic icon. It depicts a staircase leading in paradise to Jesus Christ, along which people who are overcome by demons rise. This is a capacious, allegorical image of the struggle of a person’s will with passions on the path to virtue. The steps of the stairs symbolize that spiritual perfection is not immediately achieved, but gradually, step by step.

In the book “Ladder” of St. John, each of the steps means certain stages of self -improvement for believers, including the struggle with worldly vanity, with vices, overcoming barriers in ascetic life

The last steps of the stairs are especially important: after victories over the temptations, the time is the time to master the virtues, the three of which are the most important are faith, hope and love. Without them, do not enter the kingdom of God. The number of steps of the stairs is thirty - no coincidence. The figure refers us to the thirty years of self -improvement of Jesus Christ, preceding the beginning of His service to humanity. On the icon “Lynnety of John the Lygne”, we see how the trials are waiting for a person at every step of the path. Someone falls from the stairs at the very beginning, someone goes astray from the moral path in the middle, and someone gives up almost at the very top. It is noteworthy that the angels are depicted aside, they froze in prayer and do not interfere in the course of events.

Thus, the icon painter shows the viewer that the struggle against demons (passions, temptations) in the hands of the person himself depends on his will. At the very top of the stairs, John himself is depicted, holding out a scroll with his composition to Jesus Christ. He went this path.

🖼 Product Features

Each icon in our workshop is made to last a lifetime and beyond. The image is printed with rich, fade-resistant pigment inks on a premium solid-core wood panel — then hand-finished with a natural beeswax coating that deepens the colors, protects the surface, and gives each piece the warm, reverent quality of a traditionally crafted sacred object. A metal hanging hook is included on the back, so your icon is ready to display the moment it arrives.

• Crafted on a premium wood panel — 1.6 cm (0.6") thick, sturdy yet lightweight
• Fade-resistant pigment print — rich, true-to-life colors that last for generations
• Natural beeswax finish — hand-applied for depth, protection, and a traditional feel
• Ready to hang — metal hook pre-attached on the reverse
• Hand-finished by Orthodox Christian artisans in Portugal

📏 Available Sizes

• Small – 12 x 15 cm (5” x 6”)
• Medium – 23 x 30 cm (9” x 12”)
• Large – 30 x 39 cm (12” x 15”)

🎁 Perfect For

• Meaningful Orthodox Christian gifts
• Housewarming and family blessings
• Prayer corners and devotional spaces
• Baptisms, name days, weddings, and feast days

🌍 Worldwide Delivery

Securely packed and shipped worldwide from Portugal with tracking.

✨ Crafted with Tradition

Each icon is carefully made by Orthodox Christian artisans in Portugal — created to become a lasting blessing for your home or a treasured gift for someone you love.