The answer
In our Coptic Orthodox Church, baptism is a mystery (sacrament) that only an ordained priest or bishop can officiate. The Protestant Church does not believe in priesthood; and baptism is not considered a mystery but just a sign of joining the Christian body of believers. For the Eastern Orthodox Church to recognize this Protestant baptism is unfortunately a lack of understanding of the whole mystery. A prospective convert to the Coptic Orthodox Church is usually asked about his/her baptism; and if he/she has not baptized in the Orthodox faith by an officially ordained priest, this baptism is not valid and he/she has to be baptized.Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)