What Does the Orthodox Church Mean by 'the Church'?

In everyday speech, church may mean a building. Orthodox Christianity uses the word more deeply for the community gathered in Christ, united in apostolic faith, worship, Sacraments, and spiritual life.

Is the Church only an institution?

It has visible organization, but Orthodox theology does not reduce the Church to administration.

Why historical continuity?

Orthodoxy understands the Church as continuing the apostolic faith rather than being recreated independently in each generation.

See Scripture and Holy Tradition.