 Satisfied with his hard work and dedication, the Maronite Patriarch requested that Aoun manage the finances of the Maronite Patriarchy, including the administration of the Maronite colleges and orphanages.On 13 March 1841, Patriarch Hobaish nominated him Maronite Bishop of Saint-John-Acre "in partibus infidelium" and Vicar General of the Patriarchy.Bishop Boutros Abu Karam, Maronite Bishop of Beirut since 18 November 1819, had died on 15 January 1844 thus leaving the Archbishopric of Beirut vacant.