Feb. 22 is a double holiday. It is George Washington’s birthday and Ash Wednesday, a secular holiday and a religious holy day. For the religious, the day signifies the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of spiritual reflection. For the secularists, the day could signify a period of self-evaluation. Many years ago when I was […]

Sunday “Winter’s Shadow,” 10:30 a.m., ChIME interfaith service. Portland New Church, 302 Stevens Ave., Portland. Tuesday Port City Jazz, 7 p.m., concert in celebration of Mardi Gras. Cathedral Church of St. Luke, 143 State St., Portland. Admission is $10, or $5 for students and seniors, children attend free. Wednesday Ash Wednesday, noon to 1 p.m., […]

A Cabinet minister speaks out against the ‘militant’ secularism that she says poses a threat to Europe.

They turn the colorful cardboard pages of their toddler board books. They lift their gaze now and then, look up at the adults sitting with them. They clap when they see something that delights them on the page. They clap when they see a brightly spotted black and white image of a cow in the […]

The unusually personal comments in a federal court order overshadowed the actual settlement.

Today Paul Colman in concert, 7 to 9 p.m., award-winning singer presented by First Fruits Ministries at First E Free Church, 355 Bridgton Road, Westbrook. Tickets are $15 to $25 and seating is limited. Visit http://www.firstfruitsministries.info/home.cfm to purchase tickets or for more information. Sunday Occupy Maine, 1 p.m., a conversation about the origin, importance and […]

BLAGOEVGRAD, Bulgaria – Orthodox Christians in Bulgaria on Friday observed a holiday traditionally associated with bees and honey. It was the Day of St. Haralambos, a patron saint of beekeepers, who also is known as “the lord of all illnesses.” Believers pray to him to protect their home and health. Hundreds came to the Presentation […]

His administration under fire from religious groups, he says some of his policies stem from a ‘biblical call.’