Melchior (magus)


Melchior
Detail of Melchior in Adoration of the Kings by Gerard David, c. 1515
Three Magi, Three Kings, Three Wise Men
Venerated inRoman Catholic Church
Eastern Orthodox Church
Anglican Communion
Lutheran Church
CanonizedPre-Congregation
Major shrineShrine of the Three Kings, Cologne Cathedral
Feast1 January (Date of his Death)
6 January (Epiphany)
AttributesKing bearing gifts, king on a camel, three crowns
PatronageEpilepsy, 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).