CLIMAX, JOHN (c. A.D.), ascetic and mystic, also called Scholasticus and Sinaltes. After 4o years in a cave at the foot of mount Sinai, he became abbot of the monastery. His life has been written by Daniel, a monk of the monastery of Raithu, on the Red Sea. He derives his name Climax (or Cli macus) from his work of the same name (KAiµa Tov, llapaSEtaov, ladder to Paradise), in 3o sections, corresponding to the 3o years of life of Christ. It is written in a simple and popular style, and treats of the vices that hinder the attainment of holiness and the Christian virtues.