This week in Christian history: John Wesley preaches first open air sermon, early church schism ends

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, March 27, 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, notable deaths and everything in between.

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 — March 27 through April 2 — in Christian history.

Events that happened this week in Christian history include the end of an early church schism, the birth of a notable missionary, and John Wesley preaching his first open air sermon.