More than 1.6 million Scripture leaflets are being distributed across Egypt following the murder of 21 young Egyptian Christians by Islamic State in Libya last month.

The campaign, being run by the Bible Society of Egypt, is intended to bring comfort to the nation's Christians and any others in distress from the killings.

Ramen Atallah of Bible Society Egypt said: "This is by far the most widely distributed Christian leaflet in Egypt's history."

The "Two Rows by the Sea" leaflet was first handed out at the weekly Bible study of Pope Tawadros II of the Coptic Church in the Coptic Cathedral in Cairo. The leaflets were then distributed to churches nationwide.

Atallah said: "Because of the nationwide distress over these brutal assassinations, and because the leaflet was so quickly available, Christians have been distributing it everywhere - streets, shops, buses, and trains. And it's reaching people from all walks of life. We have heard many cases of Christians receiving it through Muslim friends and neighbours who got it first."

The leaflet features a poem about the faith of the young men, and contains a collection of five Scripture passages.

Atallah said: "We wanted to provide something that would comfort the grieving. People are in despair and have so many questions about why those young men were killed. And while there are no easy answers, the Bible reminds us that there will be times of trial but that God's love for us is everlasting.

"1 Peter 4:12, for instance, says, 'Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful train you are suffering.' It goes onto say in verse 14, 'If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.'"

Atallah said that the killings had united Christians and Muslims in Egypt.

"ISIS hoped that the killing would foment sectarian strife in Egypt between Christians and Muslims, but it has had the opposite effect. Christians have responded by sorrowfully calling out to God, and Muslims have shown love and care towards them.

"Please join us in praying that during this period of sadness and unprecedented openness God will use this Scripture leaflet to comfort and challenge many Egyptians."

Meanwhile, the Prince of Wales and the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby have offered their support for the "When Left Behind" appeal launched by His Grace Bishop Angaelos of the Coptic church in Britain for the families of the murdered Christians.

Bishop Angaelos said: "As we mourn with the families of those who died we also rejoice in the faithful conviction, strength, dignity and bravery of these men; these fathers, brothers, uncles and sons who will never be forgotten."

He added: "These young men were bread winners for their families and their loss will not only rob them of the joy of their presence but will leave a significant financial void in an already impoverished community. I am thankful to His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, His Grace The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Right Honourable David Cameron and so many more who have already expressed their support and solidarity with the families who are left behind and with the Coptic faithful around the world."