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We are a newly married couple and would like to know when we are not 'permitted' to have sexual relations with each other (i.e. is it during all fasting days. How long before taking communion or before serving as a deacon and serving at the altar, etc...).

It is commendable that you are seeking God's blessings at the beginning of your marriage. St. Paul the Apostle offers the following advice in 1 Corinthians 7:5: "Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control." Early church fathers recommended abstaining completely from any sexual relationships during the fasting days. But considering the words of St. Paul (except with consent), so kindly refer to your Father in Confession to develop an appropriate plan of abstaining from sexual relations that is agreeable to you and your spouse; consider the Holy Pascha Week, as well. Similar to abstaining from food nine hours before Holy Communion, abstaining from sexual relation should be practiced before and after receiving Holy Communion. It is very important that you both continue to establish a spiritual scheme to follow up with your Father in Confession that you may have a blessed and spiritually directed marriage.