Not Communing. Prolonged Bleeding. What to Do?translated

Reader's Question:

Greetings! For over a year, I have been suffering from prolonged bleeding. Despite medical treatment, there has been no success. Due to this, I cannot receive communion. My priest said that communion can only be received in cases of life-threatening danger. To clarify: for about 100 days out of the year, I am clean, but the rest of the time, I am ill. What should I do?

Ioanna

Answer from the Priest:

Father Victor Nikishov

Truly, He Is Risen!

Your priest, who said that communion can only be received in cases of life-threatening danger, is not entirely correct. He is basing his statement on a general rule without considering your specific situation. According to the document "On the Participation of Faithful in the Eucharist," approved by the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church in 2015 (an official document binding upon all priests), it states:

"Canons prohibit receiving communion while in a state of menstrual impurity... An exception may be made in cases of mortal danger, as well as when bleeding continues for an extended period due to chronic or acute illness."

Your situation is one of prolonged, chronic, and painful illness that has lasted over a year.

Consider the Gospel story. The woman who had been suffering from bleeding for twelve years was tormented, had spent...