by Daoud Kuttab- milhilard.org

The dubbed Arabic version of the international series “The Chosen” was launched on Monday in Amman under royal patronage. Jordan’s tourism minister, Imad Hijazeen, attended on behalf of the patron, Princess Rym Ali. The event was organized by the Catholic Center for Studies and Media in cooperation with Lighthouse Arab World. The event was attended by actors in the series and a delegation from the “Come and See” Foundation from the United States.

Among the 400 attendees was Lebanese Minister of Information Paul Marcos, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority Dr. Fares Al Buraizat, several dignitaries, members of parliament, ambassadors, catholic priests, and evangelical church leaders

Sopranist Zeina Barhoumeh and the Sacred Heart of Jesus Choir, led by artist Natalie Al-Samaan, were accompanied by pianist Grace Abu Daher. The ceremony was moderated by journalist Rula Samaan, with the participation of Lawyer Haitham Arifaj.

The Chosen series is considered one of the most prominent international dramas that portrays the life of Jesus Christ from a human and spiritual perspective, highlighting his calling and his interactions with his disciples and the people he encountered in his daily life. The series achieved widespread popularity worldwide, with its seasons translated and dubbed into more than 100 languages, earning it recognition from Guinness World Records as the most translated series for online streaming in history.

The Director General of the Catholic Center for Media and Studies, Father Rifat Bader, spoke, highlighting the symbolic significance of Jordan, the Holy Land, hosting this event. He noted that many events recounted in the Bible took place on its soil, and that from the waters of the Jordan River, where Jesus Christ was baptized by John the Baptist, his mission began, making Jordan the dawn of Christianity in the world.

Father Bader emphasized the pride of Jordanians and visitors and pilgrims in their country, citing two important factors: first, Jordan’s status as a historically sacred land that encompasses numerous religious pilgrimage sites; and second, Jordan’s status as a land of harmony, security, and stability under its wise Hashemite leadership, headed by His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al-Hussein bin Abdullah II.

Father Bader noted that the series, now translated and dubbed into more than 140 languages, is not merely a television production, but a sophisticated and humane media message. It affirms that media can be constructive, not destructive; unifying, not divisive; and a promoter of human dignity. Jesus Christ, the central figure of this work, embodies the essence of the message of encounter, love, forgiveness, and human brotherhood.

The event included a screening of highlights from the series up to its fifth season, most notably the scene depicting the martyrdom of John the Baptist at the hands of Herod two thousand years ago in the fortress of Machaerus, whose ruins are located in Jordan. Speeches were heard from the producers and actors in attendance.

Dr. Imad Dabbour, director of Lighthouse Arabia, spoke, as did American actors Kirk Waller and Shane Sharma, who discussed their roles in The Chosen, American producer Stan Gantz, and Mark McKean, CEO of Come and See. They all expressed their pride in visiting Jordan, participating in the launch, meeting with His Excellency the Minister of Tourism, and collaborating with the Jordan Tourism Board to visit important sites such as the Baptism Site and Mount Nebo. They also praised the partnership with the Jordanian Catholic Center and the warm Jordanian hospitality they received everywhere they went.