Ecumenical relations and recognition of baptism from other Churches

This article by Michel Stavrou examines the question of recognizing the baptism of non-Orthodox Christian Churches within the framework of ecumenical relations. Drawing on theological and canonical reflection, it questions the doctrinal and historical foundations of such recognition within Orthodoxy. The author argues that the explicit recognition of the baptism of the main Christian confessions is not only compatible with the Orthodox tradition, but actually constitutes one of its requirements. Drawing on the 95th canon of the Quinisext Council, on the variable history of the reception of non-Orthodox Christians, and on the sacramental theology of Florovsky and Lossky, he shows that the Orthodox Church has always implicitly acknowledged degrees of ecclesiality beyond its canonical boundaries. The contribution of the article lies in demonstrating that this recognition does not compromise the confession of ecclesial unity, but constitutes a decisive step toward the restoration of full communion among Christians.