Marek Orko Vácha Removed from Academic Parish Role

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Translation

Marek Orko Vácha was dismissed from his position in the Czech religious community. The decision was made by Archbishop Jan Graubner due to rule violations. No details have been disclosed, but it involves participation in a TV Noe broadcast. This has sparked reactions and questions within the community about communication and the reasons for his dismissal.

Exercise: Text comprehension

Question 1: Who removed Marek Orko Vácha from his position in the religious community?

Archbishop Jan Graubner removed Marek Orko Vácha from his position.

Question 2: Why was Marek Orko Vácha removed from his role?

He was removed because he violated rules.

Exercise: Vocabulary

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▌16/02/2025

The Czech religious community was taken by surprise as Marek Orko Vácha, respected bioethicist and parish vicar, was removed from his position at the Academic Parish at the Church of the Most Holy Saviour in Prague. The decision was made by Archbishop Jan Graubner, citing violations of church regulations.

Although the specific reasons for his removal have not been disclosed publicly, sources indicate that the action relates to Vách's participation in a televised mass under the program "Hospodin in the Pub" aired by TV Noe, which allegedly breached church guidelines. Jiří Prinz, spokesperson for the Prague archdiocese, confirmed that the mass violated church protocols but offered no further information.

This decision has generated considerable reaction from various quarters. Tomáš Halík, a fellow clergy member at the parish, expressed concern over the abruptness of the decision. He stated that there were no consultations or prior warnings given before Vách's dismissal, arguing that this lack of communication violates ecclesiastical norms.

Marek Orko Vácha Removed from Academic Parish Role (Illustration)

The academic parish, serving primarily students and faculty from Prague’s universities, has decided to cancel all activities involving Vácha, including masses and lectures, as they seek clarification. The issue has also drawn remarks from Marek Výborný, the Minister of Agriculture, who questioned the rationale behind Vách's removal, stressing the importance of transparency within the church community.

Vácha, known for his progressive perspectives and involvement in ethical discussions, has contributed significantly to the parish's outreach to younger members of the academic community. His departure raises questions about how the church will handle internal disagreements and the implementation of discipline.

Marka Orko Vácha has not publicly responded beyond confirming his knowledge of the decision via an official letter from the archbishopric. He continues his duties elsewhere, notably in Lechovice, and maintains his roles in other capacities related to his ethical scholarship.

The situation underscores ongoing tensions between different factions within the church community, especially on issues of tradition versus modernity.

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