Amman, Dec 13 (Petra)- The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Jordan on Friday evening screened the Jordanian documentary-drama film Jewel of the Desert at the Al Hussein Cultural Center in Amman, presenting the life of Saint Catherine and reviving the spiritual and cultural history of her monastery in Sinai, one of the world’s oldest monasteries listed as a World Heritage site.

According to a statement issued by the archdiocese on Saturday, the film, whose screenings opened on Thursday evening, is the result of a year-long effort, during which filming took place at four main locations Sinai, Wadi Rum, Jerash and Jerusalem to reconstruct key historical stages in the saint’s life and highlight the authenticity of the sites and their spiritual depth.

More than 125 individuals and institutions from Jordan, Egypt and Palestine took part in producing the film, including actors, artists, technicians and logistical teams.

The project was overseen by the Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Jordan and president of the Jordan churches council, Archbishop Christophorus Attallah. Research and writing were carried out by Mousa Naber, while the film was directed by Father Sophronios Hanna.

The statement noted that the film represents a qualitative addition to religious and cultural documentation and is the first Jordanian work to address Christian history, offering a new visual narrative of the heritage of the saint and her ancient monastery.

The opening screening was patronized by the Patriarch of the Holy City and All Palestine and Jordan, Patriarch Theophilos III, in the presence of Archbishop Christophorus of Jordan.

The film’s director delivered a speech reviewing the year-long production experience that involved continuous work between Sinai, Wadi Rum, Jerash and Jerusalem. Archbishop Christophorus also delivered a speech praising the significant effort invested in preparing the work, blessing the Jordanian achievement, which he described as a bright milestone in the media and spiritual journey of the Orthodox platform and as opening a new window onto the history of Christianity in the East and Jordan’s pivotal role in preserving its heritage.

//Petra// AF

13/12/2025 21:06:12