CHENANGO COUNTY – The Right Reverend Dr. DeDe Duncan-Probe– the new Bishop of Central New York and the first woman to hold the position–will be officiating the Christmas Eve services at St. Andrew's and Emmanuel Episcopal Churches this year on Saturday evening, December 24.

The St. Andrew's service will begin at 5 p.m. and the Emmanuel service will begin at 7 p.m.

“It is a tremendous gesture by our new Bishop,” said Dave Loomis of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church. “She has been very supportive of our situation and we are most appreciative that she is eager to help.”

The Emmanuel Churches reported that the Right Rev. DeDe Duncan-Probe has been very sympathetic and has taken it upon herself to personally be there for the churches after the tragic loss of the Very Reverend Charles G. Taylor, also known as “Father Chuck,” on April 16 of this year.