Magi

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According to the Gospel of Matthew (2:1-16), the wise men or Magi followed a star to the birth place of Christ. It was written that they were from the east and that they brought three gifts to Christ; gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Since there were three gifts, it has been inferred that there were three Magi.

In Church Tradition dating from the seventh century, they are given as Gaspar (or Caspar/Jasper), Melchior and Balthasar. According to Church Tradition The Magi were baptized by Apostle Thomas, and became Bishops, spreading Christianity. It is unkown if the Magi are depicted as saints. The Eastern feast day of the Magi is December 25.

There are numerous variations of the names of the Magi in Greek, but the most common variation is for the name Gaspar which in Greek is Ιάσπερος (yiasperos) which translates into English as Jasper.

The name day for Jasper/Gaspar, Melchior and Balthasar, according to Orthodox Christianity is December 25.