The Ladder of Divine Ascent is an ascetical treatise on avoiding vice and practicing virtue so that at the end, salvation can be obtained. Written by Saint John Climacus initially for monastics, it has become one of the most highly influential and important works used by the Church as far as guiding the faithful to a God-centered life, second only to Holy Scripture.

The Life of St. Mary of Egypt tells the story of Mary, a woman who gave her life to debauchery, but then was turned to repentance by a miracle and became one of the greatest ascetics of our Church. She is commemorated on April 1st, the day of her repose, and on the fifth Sunday of Great Lent.