Iambic Verses on the Holy Ladder
Anonymous
Feast of St Isidore the Fool for Christ and Wonderworker of Rostov
Anno Domini 2021, May 14
I gaze upon the strange nature and setting of the ladder.
Its stairs consist of virtues
and it leads to heaven in a strange manner,
as the ladder divides the length of such a long track upwards
into only thirty steps. 5
Also, take a look at the chasm between the rungs,
you who are willing to ascend this ladder safely.
Although it is yawning widely, this still goes unnoticed.
If the separations between the rungs
are abysses that deceitfully present themselves as steps, 10
then they suddenly throw down into the mouth of hell
those who risk placing their feet in such gaps.
This being the case, it is necessary to have a guide,
who places your feet on the true stairs,
and who calls you back from the delusion of the deep pit. 15
That way, you will escape the fall with much effort
as you transcend the earth and reach for heaven.
. . .
Other Verses on the Same Book
This elongated ladder seems to me a strange thing
since it leads mortals from the earth to the height of
the inaccessible places in heaven. What is this ladder? Tell me.
“It is risky to ascertain.” Come, explain more.
You do not speak of the ladder of Jacob, do you? 5
The one which leads the angels down from heaven,
those who wrestle against humans of material substance?
“Of course not of that one. I speak of the ladder set up by a craftsman,
who, with his experienced, fine, mystical workmanship,
his solid grasp of skill, 10
has reached the summit of craftsmanship.
He has placed the top of the ladder as far as heaven,
fixed its fundaments most precisely,
and has devised it to be passable for mortals,
thus showing that its ascent is easy.” 15
. . .
Other Verses on the Same Book
A man who strove to arrive from the earth
at the exalted heavenly height,
has set up a strange ladder consisting of virtues,
which extends even to the heavenly gates
high in the sky, and which arrives close to God, 5
a ladder having such unutterable steps.
. . .
Other Verses on the Same
If you want to arrive at the heavenly height
and to behold, O man, the delights of heaven,
the choirs of saints, of hierarchs, of martyrs,
the assembly of prophets, of fathers, of apostles,
the immaterial ranks of angels, of archangels,
and if you want to participate in the pleasures of that place,
then vigorously ascend this ladder,
with the cross as a leader and a guide
. . .
Contribute to Cultural Renewal by Sharing on Your Preferred Platform
In an isolating secularized culture where the Church's voice is muffled through her many divisions, Christians need all the help they can get to strengthen their faith in God and love toward their neighbor. Eighth Day Institute offers hope to all Christians through our adherence to the Nicene faith, our ecumenical dialogues of love and truth, and our many events and publications to strengthen faith, grow in wisdom, and foster Christian friendships of love. Will you join us in our efforts to renew soul & city? Donate today and join the community of Eighth Day Members who are working together to renew culture through faith & learning.
