On Sunday, September 3, 2017, the Romanian Orthodox believers of Ss. Joachim and Anna Parish, Seattle, USA, enjoyed the participation at the Divine Liturgy officiated by His Eminence Nicolae, Metropolitan of the Romanian Orthodox Metropolia of the Americas. This was the first visit paid by H.E. Nicolae to this parish after the enthronement event on April 30, 2017. The visit began on Saturday, September 2, with the meeting of the Parish Council members with HE Nicolae. Then, the sacrament of Holy Unction was performed by HE Nicolae and the parish priest, Paul Porcescu. In the sermon, HE Nicolae spoke to the faithful about the listening, reception, and fulfillment of the Word of God in the new Ecclesiastical Year that began on September 1.

The following day the Divine Liturgy was attended by the parishioners. At the end of the Divine Liturgy, HE Nicolae spoke about the parable of the wicked workers and the life of Ss. Joachim and Anna, the parish protectors. The parable reveals the history of salvation in Christ, from the election of the Jewish people, the sending of the prophets, then of the Son, to the judgment of the "wicked," and the entrustment of the work to other workers, that is, the call to salvation of all nations. The parable reminds us of the responsibilities of each of us, clergy and faithful, as servants in the Church, responsibilities we ought to fulfill according to our calling in order to receive the reward at the Final Judgement.

"Ss. Joachim and Anna are an example of perseverance in prayer, faith and hope that God will also be merciful to them at the right time", said HE Nicolae. And the birth of the Virgin Mary "joy was proclaimed to all," not only to the family of Ss. Joachim and Anna, for it was the sign of the beginning of man's salvation. HE Metropolitan Nicolae urged the faithful to continue to support the parish and its activities, to be worthy servants in the Church of Christ. The brotherly meal offered by the Parish Council ended this annual visit to Ss. Joachim and Anna in Seattle.