What does it take to begin the journey to true spiritual freedom?

In this episode of The Raised & Redeemed Podcast, we begin our ascent up the Ladder of Divine Ascent by St. John Climacus, guided by Thirty Steps to Heaven by Fr. Vassilios Papavassiliou.

🪜 Today, we cover Steps 1–7, which lay the spiritual foundation for inner transformation:

🕊 Renunciation

🕊 Detachment

🕊 Exile

🕊 Obedience

🕊 Repentance

🕊 Remembrance of Death

🕊 Holy Mourning

These ancient steps help us break free from the sins and passions that keep us bound, preparing our hearts to receive the virtues of Christ and walk in freedom.

💬 Whether you’re new to the faith or deep into your spiritual journey, this episode will challenge and inspire you to take your next step toward heaven.

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🔥 Key Topics Covered:

"How to detach from worldly attachments"

"Why remembrance of death brings life"

"What holy mourning means and how it purifies the soul"

"The connection between repentance and transformation"

"Preparing the heart to grow in virtue"

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📚 Books Referenced:

The Ladder of Divine Ascent by St. John Climacus

Thirty Steps to Heaven by Fr. Vassilios Papavassiliou

🎧 Start from the beginning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGT8kg7CzX8

🔔 Subscribe and join me each week as we climb this ladder together—step by step, passion by passion, virtue by virtue.

📖 Find the show notes here 👉 https://www.michaelanikolaenko.com/podcast/first-7-steps-to-spiritual-freedom-podcast

✨ Don’t forget to visit www.michaelanikolaenko.com and sign up for the newsletter to stay connected and get updates on my book journey!

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🌐 Explore More:Website → www.michaelanikolaenko.com (blog, book updates, merch, and more)

🎙️ Listen to the Podcast:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/raisedandredeemed

🎥 Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn2x_6If3KUo5d9aA_7ALLw

📲 Follow Along on Social:

Instagram → @michaelanikolaenko

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Facebook → Raised & Redeemed

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🕒 Timestamps:

00:00-1:33 Intro

1:33-4:10 Step 1: Renunciation

4:10-6:04 Step 2: Detachment

6:04-7:02 Step 3: Exile

7:02-8:20 Step 4: Obedience

8:20-11:20 Step 5: Repentance

11:20-13:03 Step 6: Remembrance of Death

13:03-14:07 Step 7: Mourning

14:07-16:16 Practical Application

16:16-17:09 Closing