This week in Christian history: All-Russian Church Council opens, James Strong born
![Leaders meet for the 1917–1918 Local Council of the Orthodox Church of Russia, which examined several internal and external issues facing the denomination amid the First World War and Russian Revolution.](https://cdn.christianpost.com/images/cache/image/15/36/153673_w_700_428.jpg)
Throughout the extensive history of the Church, there have been numerous events of lasting significance.
Each week brings anniversaries of impressive milestones, unforgettable tragedies, amazing triumphs, memorable births and notable deaths.
Some of the events drawn from over 2,000 years of history might be familiar, while others might be unknown to many people.
The following pages highlight anniversaries of memorable events that occurred this week — Aug. 11 to Aug. 17 — in Christian history. They include the death of Elizabeth Prentiss, the birth of James Strong and the opening of an influential Russian Orthodox Church council.