On the afternoon of June 8, 2024, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, accompanied by the Patriarchal Deacon, Anatolios Doxastakis, returned from a vacation in Scotland. Bishop Raphael of Ilion and his relatives from Athens also joined them for the trip.
Upon arrival at Edinburgh Airport on June 3, the Ecumenical Patriarch was welcomed by Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain. That evening, Archbishop Nikitas hosted a formal dinner in honor of the Ecumenical Patriarch, which was attended by clergy and members of the local Diaspora. Archbishop Nikitas had to return to London the next day due to prior commitments.