The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Family Wellness Ministry invites all couples to participate in the upcoming Eight Dates marriage program. Presented for the fifth time, this powerful relationship series is based on the book Eight Dates by Drs. John and Julie Gottman.
Date 7
The topic for Thursday, December 3, 2026 is Something To Believe In and will be led by Rev. Father Vasili Hillhouse, M.Div. Discussion will focus around Growth and Spirituality. The only constant in a relationship is change. The key is how each person in the relationship accommodates the growth of the other partner. Relationships can be more than just two individuals coming together—they can be stories of transformation and great contribution and meaning to the world.
More information on Eight Dates, visit the Metropolis Family Wellness Ministry website.
Fr. Vasili Hillhouse, PhD., M.Div. MA
Fr. Vasili and his wife, Presvytera Maria, have served Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church in Anchorage, Alaska, since 2011, where he is the Proistamenos and she serves as the chanter. Their vibrant home is a constant bustle of activity with their five sons.Fr. Vasili grew up in the Santa Cruz mountains, earning a BA in History from UC Santa Cruz before spending a year studying Greek in Thessaloniki. He later completed an MA in History at San Jose State University. Married in 2004, Fr. Vasili and Presvytera Maria embarked on a shared journey of ministry and education. He earned a Master of Divinity from St. Tikhon’s Theological Seminary, followed by a Master’s in Pastoral Counseling from the Antiochian House of Studies, where his research focused on the effects of Attachment Theory on marriage and parenting. Most recently, Fr. Vasili received his PhD from the University of Essex (UK), integrating the teachings of St. Sophrony with Emotionally Focused Therapy and the marriage research of the Gottman Institute. A treasured member of the Family Wellness Ministry team, Fr. Vasili also enjoys giving guest lectures in Church History and Christian themes at the University of Alaska Anchorage and Alaska Pacific University.
