This week in Christian history: Constantinople siege ends, Pius II becomes pope

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, August 14, 2022

The imposing structure of Hagia Sophia, located in Istanbul, Turkey. The building began as an Orthodox Christian cathedral, was converted to a mosque in the 15th century, and was then made into a museum in the 1930s. | Arild Vågen/ Wikimedia Commons

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 other happenings might be previously unknown by most people.

The following pages highlight anniversaries of memorable events that occurred this week in Christian history. They include the arrival of an influential reverend to colonial America, a Muslim siege of Constantinople being lifted, and Pius II becoming pope.