ANTELIAS–The "Hyeloor" government-sponsored news hour on Armenian state television has caused controversy in the Diaspora due to its biased reporting of the recent pilgrimage to De Zor by His Holiness Karekin II–Catholicos of All Armenia’s–and His Holiness Aram I–Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia.
Hyeloor’s four different broadcasts on the Der Zor pilgrimage–in commemoration of the 86th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide–were biased since Aram I’s participation was mentioned briefly without thoroughness. Hyeloor was made aware that their reporting was skewed–however–they continued to downplay Aram I in subsequent broadcasts. The reportage also failed to emphasize the fact that the pilgrimage was organized by the Prelate of Aleppo Arch. Souren Kataroyan and the National Council. It should be noted that Karekin II was invited to Aleppo by Aram I to participate in the commemoration at Der Zor.
The unity displayed at Der Zor by the Armenian Church and the Armenian people was unfortunately intentionally misrepresented–which is unacceptable. Hyeloor’s failure to provide unbiased reporting jeopardizes cooperation between Armenia and the Diaspora. The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia summarized its grievances in a statement issued on April 30. The Catholicosate is urging Hyloor to report in a more responsible manner–and to take into consideration the good intentions of Diasporan’structures.
