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What kind of sin's would prevent me from Holy Communion?
Answer to Question 35.
Basically they are the sins mentioned in the Ten Commandments, but also other things that cause injury either to oneself or others. If for example someone tell a small “white” lie with the intention of protecting some other person’s feelings – these kinds of small sins do not bar someone from Communion and can be mentioned collectively when that person next comes for general confession, but if the lie was to intentionally cause harm to someone then this is a sin that would bar him/her from communion and it would be best to come for confession before having Communion. To have Communion is it also a necessity to be at peace with all people: Christ said: "Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift." (Matth. 5:23-24) The bread and wine used in the Divine Liturgy are our offering of thanksgiving to God at the altar, for having saved us by sending his only begotten Son to be sacrificed that we might become co-heirs with him in the kingdom of Heaven. Accordingly we must be reconciled with all men before making this offering. Some people insist that you must fast for 3 days before having Holy Communion as if that would make them worthy, yet prefer to overlook want is in essence necessary.
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