Melchior | |
|---|---|
&sq=Envato&lang=en&file=File:Gerard_David_-_Adoration_of_the_Kings_-_Google_Art_Project_(cropped)3.jpg) Detail of Melchior in Adoration of the Kings by Gerard David, c. 1515 | |
| Three Magi, Three Kings, Three Wise Men | |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church Eastern Orthodox Church Anglican Communion Lutheran Church |
| Canonized | Pre-Congregation |
| Major shrine | Shrine of the Three Kings, Cologne Cathedral |
| Feast | 1 January (Date of his Death) 6 January (Epiphany) |
| Attributes | King bearing gifts, king on a camel, three crowns |
| Patronage | Epilepsy, thunder, motorists, pilgrims, playing card manufacturers, sawmen, sawyers, travellers, travelling merchants, Cologne, Germany, Saxony |
Melchior, or Melichior, was purportedly one of the Biblical Magi (along with Caspar and Balthazar) who visited the infant Jesus after he was born. Melchior was often referred to as the oldest member of the Magi. He was traditionally called the King of Persia and brought the gift of gold to Jesus. In the Western Christian church, he is regarded as a saint (as are the other two Magi).