Please contact me soon if you want to be part of this class. Our focus will be on Saint John Climacus–a most beloved saint.

“Do not be surprised that you fall every day; do not give up, but stand your ground courageously. And assuredly, the angel who guards you will honor your patience.” ~ John Climacus (St. John of the Ladder)

When: October 16 (Friday), 17 (Saturday), and 24 (Saturday), 2026. 10am to 4pm every day.

Followed by Vespers on Saturday (with confessions) at 6pm and the church service on Sunday at 10am. No class that day.

Where: St. Annas Orthodox Church in Louisa VA. The church is at 4642 East Old Mountain Road, Louisa. Visit Saint Anna’s website for directions and services.

Cost: $400.00, with a deposit of $100.00 to hold your spot.  Seating is limited.

Each class builds on the next, but there will be make-ups available for the last day at the Kalvesmaki’s home in Madison VA.  Arrange a time with Colette (Paraskeve) at the class.

St. John Climacus wrote the Ladder of Divine Ascent (quoted above), which is read in our monasteries every Lent, but is a great read any time of year. He was writing to monks so you may need to adapt his advice for your daily life, if you read him, and I recommend you do!

We will work on a prepared clay board in egg tempera. The drawing may vary a bit from the one depicted above, because I want to put a ladder in there…maybe in the title?  No gilding for this course. You will need to bring a lunch for all days as restaurants are a bit far and we have a lot to do.

To sign up tap the buttons below.